Pope's condolences for victims of violence in Philippines

(Vatican Radio) Reiterating his appeal to all believers to reject violence in the name of God, Pope Francis has sent his condolences to the families of those killed on the island of Mindanao in the Southern Philippines.

The killings were perpetrated by a  breakaway Muslim rebel group who killed nine Christian civilians in a series of attack on Christmas eve.

The Pope’s prayers for the families of the victims and his appeal for dialogue, tolerance and peace came in a telegramme signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin and addressed to the Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines.     

Please find below the full text of the telegramme:

The Most Reverend Giuseppe Pinto
Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines
MANILA

The Holy Father was deeply saddened to learn of the senseless killing of innocent people in Mindanao, and he sends condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.  His Holiness prays that security and safety will be established for all people in the region, so that dialogue, tolerance and peace may enable each person to live free from fear.  He asks all believers to reject violence in the name of God who is love, and invokes abundant divine gifts of consolation, mercy and strength upon those affected by this tragedy.

                            Cardinal Pietro Parolin
                            Secretary of State