Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Benedict XVI sent a telegram of condolence, through Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., to Mother Gabriella Bono, superior general of the Consolata Missionary Sisters, following the murder in Mogadishu, Somalia, last Sunday of Sr. Leonella Sgorbati, a member of that order. The text of the telegram is given below. "Informed of the tragic death of Sr. Leonella Sgorbati, barbarously murdered in Mogadishu, the Supreme Pontiff wishes to convey an expression of his closeness to your missionary institute, as well as to the relatives of the lamented religious, who joyfully performed her valuable work in the service of the Somali people, especially in favor of nascent life and in the field of healthcare education. In reasserting his firm condemnation for all forms of violence, His Holiness hopes that the blood spilt by such a faithful disciple of the Gospel may become a seed of hope to build true fraternity between peoples in reciprocal respect for the religious convictions of each. And as he raises fervent prayers for this worthy missionary sister, he imparts his comforting apostolic blessing to her consoeurs, her relatives and to everyone weeping her violent demise.". Cardinale Tarcisio Bertone, Segretario di Stato di Sua Santità”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 20/9/2006 - Righe 14, parole 180)
