Vatican City, Feb 20, 2006 / 22:00 pm
In light of continued violence in many Muslim populated parts of the world over Danish cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed, Pope Benedict has called for an end to the clashes--particularly to those recently in Nigeria, which have been some of the bloodiest yet.
As of yesterday, 16 people--mostly Christians--had been killed and 11 churches burned in that country.
Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano sent a telegram, in the name of the Holy Father, to the ecclesiastical and civil authorities of Nigeria, following the clashes.
In the message, the Holy Father was "Saddened to learn of the tragic consequences of the recent violent protests in northern Nigeria,” and that he “assures all those affected of his closeness in prayer.”