Pope condoles the victims of bomb attack in Beirut

October 20, 2012: 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, said a Telegram of condolence sent on the order of Pope Benedict XVI by the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, to Bechara Boutros Rai, the Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites, in the wake of the deadly bomb attack in Beirut on Friday.

The condolence message further stated that the Pope 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!, the message concluded.

Earlier, the Holy See had strongly condemned the attack. Press Office Director of the Holy See, Fr. Federico Lombardi, said in a press statement on Friday that “The attack that took place in Beirut deserves the strongest condemnation for the absurd and murderous violence that it manifests. It goes against all efforts and commitment to maintain a peaceful coexistence in Lebanon.