VATICAN - The Pope speaks of the tragedy in Madrid: “Above all those who believe in God, Creator and Father of all men and women must feel the need to work to build a world of more brotherhood and solidarity despite the difficulties and obstacles encountered.

Monday, 15 March 2004

Vatican City (Fides Service) - Before reciting the Angelus prayer with the people gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday 14 March, Pope John Paul II voiced “firm condemnation” for the March 11, terrorist attacks in Madrid, expressing his deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and his closeness in prayer to the injured and their families. “This horrendous crime shocked public opinion world wide - the Pope said -. In the face of such barbarous deeds we are profoundly grieved and we ask how the human soul can even conceive such abominable crimes.” Referring to the “unanimous testimony of solidarity” seen in Spain and all over the world the Pope said: “It is precisely by relying on the concord contribution of all the healthy forces of the continent that we can look ahead with confidence and hope for a better future. Above all those who believe in God, Creator and Father of all men and women, should feel the need to work to build a world of more brotherhood and solidarity despite the difficulties and obstacles encountered along this path which is a duty and cannot be postponed.”
Lastly the Pope entrusted the victims of the terrible terrorist attack to the Blessed Virgin Mary Maria: “We ask her to watch over and protect the beloved nation of Spain, Europe and the whole world.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 15/3/2004 - Righe 15; Parole 219)
See the Pope’s address in Italian
http://www.evangelizatio.org/portale/adgentes/pontefici/pontefice.php?id=71


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