Pope Says Iraq's Christians in His Prayers

(10 Jan 08 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his solidarity to Iraq’s Christians who have been targeted in recent car bomb attacks.

Signed on behalf of the Pope by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the telegram is addressed to Chaldean Patriarch Cardinal Emmanuel Delly III.
The telegram reads: “Deeply concerned to learn of the attacks on Christian targets in Baghdad, Mosul, and Kirkuk which took place last Sunday and yesterday, the Holy Father expresses his spiritual closeness to the injured and their families and to the superiors of the religious communities affected by these attacks. The Pope also renews his sentiments of sincere solidarity with all members of the Christian communities in Iraq, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.”
“Mindful that such attacks are also directed against the whole people of Iraq,” the telegram adds that “His Holiness appeals to the perpetrators to renounce the ways of violence, which have caused so much suffering to the civilian population, and he encourages all those in authority to renew efforts towards peaceful negotiation aimed at a just resolution of the country's difficulties, respectful of the rights of all.”