.- Pope
Benedict XVI’s own words of condolence were read at the beginning of a
funeral Mass, held this morning, during which Italy laid to rest two of
its soldiers. Both lost their lives in a May 5th attack in Kabul,
Afghanistan.
The message,
sent by the Vatican’s Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, was
read by Archbishop Angelo Bagnasco, who is military ordinary for Italy,
at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Rome.
Cardinal Sodano
begins the telegram: "Having learned the news of the ignoble attack on
the Italian convoy in Kabul, which caused the death of two soldiers of
the Alpine Regiment, the Supreme Pontiff wishes to communicate to
parents and relatives an expression of his personal participation in
their profound suffering.”
Pope Benedict
also wished to “convey his heartfelt condolences for the grave mourning
which has once again struck the entire nation of Italy, and especially
the armed forces committed to upholding, with generous self-sacrifice,
actions of peace among sorely tried peoples.”
The Cardinal
said that Benedict assures “his fervent prayers that the Lord may
welcome to eternal life the young victims who sacrificed their own
lives,” and “invokes heavenly comfort upon those weeping their dramatic
death.”
The Pope also sent his personal apostolic blessing, “with a special thought for the soldiers wounded in the attack."
Pope Benedict mourns Italian soldiers killed in Afghanistan
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Feb
12
Liturgical Calendar
February 12, 2012
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary TimeAll readings:
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Catholic Daily
Daily Readings
First Reading:: Lev 13:1-2, 44-46
Psalm:: Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11
Second Reading:: 1 Cor 10:31-11:1
Gospel:: Mk 1:40-45Most Popular



