Full text: papal telegram of condolence for Beirut bombing

Below, please fin the full text of Vatican Radio's English translation of the Telegram of condolence sent on the order of Pope Benedict XVI by the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, to the Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites, His Beatitude Bechara Boutros Rai, in the wake of the deadly bomb attack in Beirut on Friday.

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His Beatitude Bechara Boutros Raï
Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites BKERKE

Having learned of the terrible attack in Beirut, killing many, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI prayerfully participates in the pain of the bereaved families and, in the sadness of all the Lebanese people. He entrusts the victims to God, full of mercy, asking God to welcome them in His light. He expresses deepest sympathy to the injured and their families, asking the Lord to give them aid and comfort in their ordeal. As he did during his Apostolic Journey to Lebanon, the Holy Father once again condemns the violence that generates so much suffering and asks God to grant the gift of peace and reconciliation to Lebanon and the entire region. With all his heart, His Holiness invokes abundance of divine blessings upon the bereaved families and all Lebanese!

Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone
Secretary of State of His Holiness