Vatican City, Oct 19, 2012 / 12:13 pm
The Vatican's spokesman is condemning the car bomb attack in Beirut which killed a leading Lebanese security official and seven other people while wounding dozens.
"The attack in Beirut deserves the firmest condemnation, for the senseless murderous violence which manifested itself and because it runs counter to the efforts and commitment to preserve a peaceful coexistence in Lebanon," Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican's press office, said Oct. 19.
He cited Pope Benedict XVI's call for Lebanon to be a witness to "peace and hope" for its residents and throughout the region.
He said the Holy See shares in the grief over the deaths and injuries of so many people and hopes that the "horrible act" does not cause the further spread of violence.