EUROPE/RUSSIA – Archbishop Kondrusiewicz voices grief of Russia's Catholic community after tragic bomb blast in Moscow metro: "This is another appearance of the terrible face of terrorism…we ask all Catholics to pray for the repose of the souls of the dead, the recovery of the injured and the consolation of the families”

Moscow (Fides Service) - Archbishop Thadeusz Kondrusiewicz of the Catholic archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow, sent Fides a copy of the official statement issued after the terrorist attack in the Moscow underground this morning when 40 people were killed and at least 70 injured. Here is our translation from the Russian. “We are deeply saddened by the attack and we think that the criminals must have hearts of stone to destroy the life of so many people. This is another appearance of the terrible face of terrorism which is totally unjustifiable. Believers and the media must realise that everything possible must be done to convert those seeking revenge. No reason can justify terrorism. Evil can only be overcome with good. The temptation to hate must be rejected. We must unite to help the victims of this terrible crime. We ask all Catholics to pray for the repose of the souls of the dead, the recovery of the injured and the consolation of the families. We ask God that hearts seeking revenge may be converted so our country may at last be reconciled and at peace.” M. S. (Agenzia Fides 6/2/2004; lines 15; words 224)
EUROPE/RUSSIA – Archbishop Kondrusiewicz voices Catholic community’s grief at bomb tragedy in Moscow: This is another appearance of the terrible face of terrorism…we ask all Catholics to pray for the repose of the souls of the dead, the recovery of the injured and the consolation of the families”

Moscow (Fides Service) - Archbishop Thadeusz Kondrusiewicz of the Catholic archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow, sent Fides a copy of the official statement issued after the terrorist attack in the Moscow underground this morning when 40 people were killed and at least 70 injured. Here is our translation from the Russian. “We are deeply saddened by the attack and we think that the criminals must have hearts of stone to destroy the life of so many people. This is another appearance of the terrible face of terrorism which is totally unjustifiable. Believers and the media must realise that everything possible must be done to convert those seeking revenge. No reason can justify terrorism. Evil can only be overcome with good. The temptation to hate must be rejected. We must unite to help the victims of this terrible crime. We ask all Catholics to pray for the repose of the souls of the dead, the recovery of the injured and the consolation of the families. We ask God that hearts seeking revenge may be converted so our country may at last be reconciled and at peace.” M. S. (Agenzia Fides 6/2/2004; lines 15; words 224)