Pope Benedict decries bombing at Philippines cathedral
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Pope Benedict XVI

Vatican City, Jul 5, 2009 / 12:08 pm (CNA).- This morning in the Filipino town of Cotabato City, a bomb was detonated near the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, killing at least five people and wounding some 34 others. After praying the Angelus at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his "deep rejection" of the attack and prayed for the victims.

The Holy Father explained that the attack is being attributed to Muslim extremists by the local police. The Pope told the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, "the explosion of a bomb in front of the cathedral (Cotabato) during the celebration of Sunday Mass, has caused several deaths and numerous injuries, including some women and children."

"While praying for the victims of this ignoble gesture, I raise my voice once again to condemn the use of violence, which is never a decent way to solve problems," he added.

Hundreds of churchgoers remained inside the cathedral after the powerful explosion, praying even more fervently for “peace.” The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said that Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo was delivering his homily when the incident occurred, causing panic among churchgoers.

Rolando Emberga, a churchgoer, said some rushed to go out of the church, but Archbishop Quevedo tried to calm things down, the CBCP reports.

Emberga said the blast was extremely loud and that people inside the church were screaming.

Four people, including two soldiers, died instantly in the attack and a fifth victim died at the hospital, according to local police reports.

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Subscriber comments:
Published by: Dexter
Philippines 07/06/2009 08:22 PM EST
a tree is recognized by its fruit. Now, who's under the influence of the devil?
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Published by: victor weston
UK 07/06/2009 02:41 PM EST
with such atrocities perpetrated in their name how easy it is to conclude Islam is not a non-violent religion
how fortunate the Family of God are in the Holy Father at this critical time in world history
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Published by: Melba
OR 07/06/2009 02:20 PM EST
The quote from the Pope is disturbing because it sounds so weak. Violence is "...never a decent way to solve problems,". Good grief, 5 people were just brutally murdered at church! I'd think he should have more to say than that and I'd like to know what's going to be done about this tragedy! Let's call it what it is-it's terrorism!
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Published by: Malcolm
South Africa 07/06/2009 12:56 PM EST
Great efforts are made by Muslims in the West to portray Islam as a peaceful religion however it is violent. Reality of the horrors of their violence in all countries is visible for all to see. It is violent as its founder. The Koran teaches violence in so many chapters,against Christian, Jews, polytheist, in fact everyone who is not muslem. It extorts Zakah (tax)from Christians in Islamic countries and takes pleasure in their utter humiliation for the fact they do not except that dude mohammad as a prophet sent by their Allah.
The time for Catholics to be politically correct is over, lets call them what they are, and pray that their violent souls will be saved. Praise be to Jesus.
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Published by: H.J.D"Cruz
Karachi 07/06/2009 02:09 AM EST
The Pope may not have been briefed on the attack of a christian village in Lahore Pakistan and in Taseer Town in Karachi. These are two of many incidents against christians in Pakistan. This has resulted in distruction of life, property, and injuring the innocent christians at the instigation of muslims cleric from a mosque.Women, men have been attacked and bruised , homes burnt and churches destroyed.Somthing for the world to ponder on about the religion which is projected as a religion of peace.If an attack on christians in Phillipines as a christian country one can imagine thet hreats and risks for christians in Pakistan.
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Published by: John Haas
Memphis/TN/USA 07/05/2009 08:51 PM EST
The great satan is whom?
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