Vatican City, Sep 18, 2009 / 10:18 am (CNA).- Six Italian soliders were killed on Thursday in Kabul when a car bomb was detonated near their armored vehicles. Upon hearing of the blast, which also killed 15 Afghans, Pope Benedict XVI said he is grieved to hear of the loss of life and is praying for all the victims and their families.

The six Italian soldiers were members of the "Folgore" parachute regiment. Besides the Italian casualties, 15 Afghans, including four policemen, were killed in the terrorist attack. The violent blast also wounded 60 civilians and four Italian soldiers.

On Thursday, the director of the Vatican's press office, Fr. Federico Lombardi, conveyed the Pope's assurances of his prayers for the victims and expressed his "closeness to the families and to everyone involved."

"What causes most sorrow," Fr. Lombardi added, "is the continuation of such violence against the very people who are working for peace. ... We hope that all this bloodshed may, in the end, give way to the peace to which so many people are committed and are giving their lives."

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