EUROPE/SCOTLAND/SPAIN - On behalf of the Bishops and Catholics of Scotland Cardinal Keith O'Brien expresses deepest sympathy to the people of Spain after the terrifying terrorist attacks yesterday in Madrid

Rome (Fides Service) - Speaking from Rome this morning Cardinal Keith O'Brien, President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland sent the following message to the Spanish Ambassador to the United Kingdom and the Bishops' Conference of Spain; "The terrible loss of life following yesterday's bomb attacks in Madrid have shocked the world. The death of almost 200 people and the injury of thousands more fills us all with deep sadness and dismay. On behalf of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland and the whole Catholic community, I extend or deepest sympathies to the families of those who have been killed and to the Spanish people. I offer too, the promise of our prayers at this terrible time." Cardinal O'Brien was in Rome until this morning, Friday 12 March, to attend a plenary session of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications of which he is a member. PS (Fides Service 7/3/2004 EM lines 6 Words: 46)