VATICAN - The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI expresses his grief for the murder of a priest and three sub-deacons in Mossul Iraq: "May their sacrifice inspire in the hearts of all men and women of good will a renewed resolve to reject the ways of hatred and violence, to conquer evil with good and to cooperate in hastening the dawn of reconciliation, justice and peace in Iraq

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his grief at the tragic murder of a Chaldean Catholic priest and three sub-deacons on Sunday June 3 in Mossul, in Iraq (see Fides 4/6/2007). Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. sent a telegramme, in the Pope's name, to Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mossul of the Chaldeans, Iraq, for the killing in that city yesterday of Fr. Ragheed Aziz Ganni and three sub-deacons. The text of the English-language telegram follows: "The Holy Father was deeply saddened to learn of the senseless killing of Fr. Ragheed Aziz Ganni and sub-deacons Basman Yousef Daoud, Ghasan Bidawid and Wadid Hanna, and he asks you kindly to convey to their families his heartfelt condolences. He willingly joins the Christian community in Mossul in commending their souls to the infinite mercy of God our loving Father and in giving thanks for their selfless witness to the Gospel. At the same time he prays that their costly sacrifice will inspire in the hearts of all men and women of good will a renewed resolve to reject the ways of hatred and violence, to conquer evil with good and to cooperate in hastening the dawn of reconciliation, justice and peace in Iraq. To the families and to all who mourn their dead in faith and in the hope which draws its certainty from the resurrection His Holiness cordially imparts his apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord.". (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 5/6/2007 ; righe 28, parole 436)