Pope’s Pain at Continued Attacks on Iraq’s Christians
(04 May 10 – RV) On Tuesday Pope Benedict XVI denounced renewed attacks against the
Christian community in Iraq. A telegram written on his behalf by the Secretary of
State Cardinal Bertone, was sent to Archbishop Basile Georges Casmoussa , the Syrian
Archbishop of Mosul. It notes the Pope’s deep sadness at the “news of the tragic
loss of life and injuries caused by the recent bomb attack near Mosul”.
The
Holy Father was referring to a weekend bomb attack on a column of buses carrying Christian
students from the village of Hamdaniya, 40 km east of Mosul, to University in the
city.
Four people were killed and 171 injured, at least 17 seriously.
Pope
Benedict XVI asks local Church leaders to convey his heartfelt condolences to those
affected by this crime and to their families.
He reaffirms his spiritual closeness
to the Christian communities of Iraq and renews his appeal to all men and women of
good will to hold steadfast to the ways of peace and to repudiate all acts of violence
which have caused so much suffering.
The Holy Father offers fervent prayers
for the eternal repose of the victims and invokes Almighty God’s abundant gifts of
strength and consolation upon those who are injured and mourning.