Pope Benedict XVI: condolences to UN over Abuja attack

Below is the text of the Telegram conveying Pope Benedict XVI's condolences to UN Secretary-Genereal Ban Ki-Moon, in the wake of Friday's attack on UN headquarters in Nigeria.
His Excellency Ban Ki-Moon Secretary-General
United Nations Organization New York
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was distressed to learn of the terrorist attack upon the United Nations offices in Abuja, and of the terrible loss of life among both local citizens and United Nations personnel. He sends Your Excellency and those you represent his sincere sympathy and appeals again to those who choose death and violence to embrace instead life and respectful dialogue. The Holy Father earnestly prays for the repose of those whose lives have been cut short so dramatically, and he cordially invokes God's blessings of courage and strength upon the injured and those who mourn.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
Secretary of State