Pope Benedict expresses condolences for Italian soldiers killed in Afghanistan

(September 18, 2009) Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his heartfelt condolences and closeness to the families of victims who were killed in a deadly suicide bomb attack in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Thursday. A bomber rammed his explosives-filled car into two Italian military vehicles in a convoy about midday, killing 6 Italian soldiers and 10 Afghan civilians while injuring many more. Vatican spokesman, Fr. Federico Lombardi said the Pope who was duly informed of the tragedy has expressed his closeness and prayers for the victims and has shown his closeness with the families and all the people concerned. In comments to Italian news agency ANSA, Fr. Lombardi said the entire Vatican is sharing in the pain of the dead Italian soldiers. Commenting on the tragedy, Fr. Lombardi said, “What hurts the most is the fact that this violence is against persons engaged in peace.” He hoped that all this blood will ultimately be replaced by peace in which many persons are engaged, even giving their lives for it. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for Thursday’s attack, giving a grim reminder to the foreign forces of their devastating reach anywhere in Afghanistan.