Pope assures Moscow bombing victims of prayers

(March 31,2010) Pope Benedict XVI and the Orthodox patriarch of Moscow have expressed their closeness to the victims of twin subway bombings that left 39 people dead in the Russian capital of Moscow on Monday. Hundreds of people left flowers, candles and icons at the Lubianka station on Wednesday, as the nation mourned the loss of life from the terrorist attacks that were carried out by two women. More than 70 people were injured in the bombings.
Pope Benedict sent a telegram to Russian President Dimitri Medvedev to express profound grief and firm condemnation of the brutal acts of violence. The Pontiff expressed his solidarity, spiritual closeness and condolences to all those who are suffering the loss of their loved ones. He assured the nation of his fervent prayers for the victims of this tragic disaster and for those who were wounded.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia urged the nation to respond to this violent act not with fear but with a firm will to stop terrorists and those who support, finance or justify their actions.