Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Madrid (Fides Service) - “There can never be any moral justification for terrorism” the Conference of Catholic Bishops in Spain affirmed in statement issued immediately after the tragic bomb blasts in Madrid’s underground yesterday March 11. The Bishops expressed their closeness to the families of the dead and injured they urged people not to respond to this attack with hatred because this would “divide the nation and favour the terrorists”, but rather to work with the authorities to eliminate terrorism. “This is the time to show charity and solidarity with the victims. As Christians we must off all the help we can”.
Cardinal Antonio Ma Rouco Varela, Archbishop Madrid, who was in Rome to take part in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Culture, also voiced condemnation as soon as he heard the news: “no one can remain silent in the face of such a criminal action. This crime is the fruit of one of the most serious sins of man and of his blindness: taking the life of a person. Terrorism is the plague of our world today also in our own country of Spain”. The Archbishop of Madrid concluded by asking God to grant the victims eternal repose, the faithful the grace of forgiveness and the assassins, conversion of heart.
On hearing the news Cardinal Rouco Varela, returned immediately to Madrid to be with his people at this time of national tragedy. He has asked every parish in Madrid to offer Masses for the repose of the dead and that the Lord may comfort the families and injured. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/3/2004; righe 20 - parole 264)
See more information:
http://www.conferenciaepiscopal.es/
