VATICAN - Benedict XVI prays for victims of the “absurd violence” occurred at Syro-Catholic Cathedral in Baghdad, “which is even more ferocious as it struck defenseless persons, gathered in the house of God.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – At the end of the Angelus recited with pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter's Square on the Solemnity of All Saints', Monday, November 1, the Holy Father Benedict pronounced the following words: “Yesterday afternoon, in a very grave attack on the Syro-Catholic cathedral of Baghdad, dozens of people died and were wounded, among them two priests and a group of faithful gathered for Sunday's Holy Mass. I pray for the victims of this absurd violence, which is even more ferocious as it has hit defenseless persons, gathered in the house of God, which is house of love and reconciliation. I express, moreover, my affectionate closeness to the Christian community, which has been hit again, and I encourage all pastors and faithful to persevere in fortitude and in the firmness of hope. Lastly, in face of the cruel episodes of violence that continue to destroy the populations of the Middle East, I would like to renew my urgent appeal for peace: it is a gift of God, but it is also the result of the efforts of men of good will, of national and international institutions. May all join their efforts to end all violence!”
On the occasion of the funerals held for the victims of the terrorist attack, celebrated on November 2, the Holy Father Benedict XVI sent the following message to Archbishop Athanase Matti Shaba Matoka, Archbishop of Baghdad for the Syro-Catholics: “Deeply moved by the violent death of so many faithful and their priests Tha’ir Saad and Boutros Wasim, I wish, during the sacred funeral rite, to share spiritually in this occasion and pray that these our brothers and sisters are welcomed by the mercy of Christ into the Father's House. For years this country has been suffering untold hardships and even Christians have become the subject of brutal attacks that, in total disregard of life – an inviolable gift from God - seek to undermine confidence and peace. I renew my call that the sacrifice of our brothers and sisters may be the seed of peace and true rebirth, and that those who care about reconciliation, solidarity and fraternal coexistence, find the strength and motivation to do good. To you all, dear brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, I send my Apostolic Blessing of comfort, which I gladly extend to the wounded and to your families who are suffering so greatly.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 3/11/2010)