Pope sends telegram of support to beleaguered Iraqis

PPBERTONEIRAK100108 Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone

Upon hearing about the recent spate of bombings against Christians in Iraq, Pope Benedict XVI has sent a telegram to the Catholic Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly expressing his deep concern and spiritual closeness to all of those who were attacked.

The telegram, which was signed by the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, conveyed the Pope’s “fraternal assurances of prayer as you seek to offer hope and strength to your people.”

Benedict also asked Cardinal Delly to “convey his heartfelt solidarity to the superiors of the religious communities affected by these attacks, and to renew his sentiments of sincere solidarity with all members of the Christian communities in Iraq, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.”

The message also called upon the terrorists to “renounce the ways of violence,” especially since “such attacks are also directed against the whole people of Iraq”.

The telegram closes by offering prayers for “a return to the peaceful coexistence of the diverse groups that make up the population of this beloved country,” and the Holy Father commending “all the people of Iraq to the heavenly protection of our almighty and merciful Father.”

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