Pope condemns Christmas attacks on churches

(December 27, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday condemned Christmas Day attacks on churches in Nigeria and the Philippines as absurd violence. After praying his weekly midday ‘Angelus’ the Pope told pilgrims and tourists below his window in St Peter's Square that he was saddened by the attacks in the two countries. A bomb exploded during Christmas Mass at a chapel on the island of Jolo in southern Philippines, injuring 12 people, including two priests and a nine-year-old girl. Elsewhere in northern Nigeria, six people died in attacks by Muslim sect members on two churches. "In this Christmas season,” he said, “the desire and the invocation of the gift of peace becomes even more intense. But our world continues to be marked by violence, especially against the disciples of Christ.” "The earth was again stained with blood in other parts of the world, such as in Pakistan,” the Holy Father lamented. At least 40 people waiting to receive aid at a World Food Program depot were killed by a suicide bomber in Peshawar, on Christmas Day. The Holy Father expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims of the absurd violence and once again repeated his appeal to abandon ways of hatred and find peaceful solutions to conflicts” so that people can live in peace and security.
Before the ‘Angelus’ prayer, the Pope reflected on the Holy Family, a feast traditionally observed on Sunday after Christmas. Pointing to the birth of Jesus, the Pope said outward comforts aside, it is the love of Mary and Joseph that made baby Jesus feel the tenderness and beauty of being loved. Underlining his rejection of gay marriage and abortion, the pope stressed that every child deserves a mother and a father who will love them and welcome them as a gift. “This is what gives children security and, as they grow, lets them discover the meaning of life,” he said. Referring to the Holy Family’s dramatic experience of having to flee to Egypt from the murderous rampage of Herod, the Pope remembered all those people - especially families - who are forced to flee their homes because of war, violence and intolerance. He urged for prayers so that the Lord may touch peoples’ hearts and bring hope, reconciliation and peace.