Ugandan archbishop: Bombers do not value sanctity of human life

Rome, Italy, Jul 14, 2010 / 08:40 am

Archbishop of Kampala Cyprian Kizto Lwanga conveyed Pope Benedict's prayers as he sent his own condolences to the people of Uganda, in particular the victims' families, after bombings left 76 people dead as they watched the World Cup final last Sunday.

According to Vatican Radio, the archbishop sent a letter to the Ugandan faithful in which he expressed the profound sadness of all for "this senseless act of violence" and condemnation for "the act that indiscriminately killed and injured innocent people."

The attacks took place in separate establishments as soccer fans watched the final game of the World Cup in different parts of the capital city of Kampala. The two bombings left 76 dead as of the latest report from Reuters. The news agency also reported that there are indications that the Somali al Shabaab militant group, linked to al Qaeda, had orchestrated the explosions.

"This barbaric act reveals the evil and ugly nature of the perpetrators who do not value the sanctity of human life," said Archbishop Lwanga.

Turning to those who had been wronged by the bombing, he made an appeal against resorting to violence as a solution to their pain, saying that "whenever there are misunderstandings, let people embrace dialogue in the resolution of conflicts."

Through the message he also communicated that Pope Benedict XVI was "deeply saddened by the news" and that he "conveys his heartfelt condolences to the civil authorities and to those afflicted by the attacks” as well as their families.

The archbishop invited priests throughout the archdiocese to organize a special day of prayer for victims on July 18 in their parish communities.