(1 Sep 05 - VIS) Given below is the text of the telegram of condolence sent by Cardinal
Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, in the Pope's name, to Archbishop Fernando Filoni,
apostolic nuncio to Iraq, for the numerous pilgrims who died yesterday in a stampede
on a bridge in Baghdad: "Deeply saddened by news of the terrible tragedy in Baghdad,
near the Shiite mosque of al-Kazimiyah, which caused numerous victims among the pilgrims
gathered for a commemorative celebration, the Supreme Pontiff charges Your Excellency
to express to the civil and religious authorities, as well as to the families of the
victims and the entire population, his feelings of sincere condolence. In entrusting
to Divine Mercy those who died so dramatically, the Holy Father gives assurances of
his prayers that a climate of reconciliation and reciprocal trust may finally be instated
in that country, and he hopes that all believers in the One God will unite in deploring
all forms of violence and cooperate for the return of harmony to the tormented land
of Iraq."