Telegram from Pope Benedict XVI to the Victims of anti-Christian Violence in Pakistan
(03 Aug 09 - RV) Below is the text of the Telegram Pope Benedict XVI asked the Secretary
of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, to send to the Bishop of Faisalabad,
Pakistan, the Most Reverend Joseph Coutts, in the wake of deadly anti-Christian violence.
The
Most Reverend Joseph Coutts Bishop of Faisalabad
The Holy Father was
deeply grieved to learn of the senseless attack on the Christian community of Gojra
City which resulted in the tragic killing of innocent men, women and children, and
immense destruction. He asks you to convey his heartfelt condolences to the families
of the victims and to express his solidarity with all who have experienced this wanton
act. At the same time His Holiness charges you strongly to encourage the whole diocesan
community, and all Christians in Pakistan, not to be deterred in their efforts to
help build a society which, with a profound sense of trust in religious and human
values, is marked by mutual respect among all its members. In the name of God he
appeals to everyone to renounce the way of violence which causes so much suffering
and to embrace the way of peace. To the families and to all who mourn their dead
in faith and in the hope which draws its certainty from the resurrection, the Holy
Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength
in the Lord.