VATICAN CITY, FEB 18, 2005 (VIS) - The following telegram of condolences was sent by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, on behalf of Pope John Paul, to Cardinal Nasrallah Pierre Sfeir, patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites, Lebanon, upon the assassination on February 14 of former Prime Minster Rafik Hariri of Lebanon:
"Following the terrible attack which cost the life of Rafik Hariri, former president of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Lebanon, as well as of numerous other people, the Holy Father greatly deplores this criminal gesture which offends God and men, created in His image and likeness. While praying ardently for the beloved land of Lebanon, he implores once again God's mercy on the Middle East, which aspires to a just and lasting peace. The Pope invites all the Catholic faithful of Lebanon to a lasting commitment to peace and collaboration with all men of good will in order to build, through dialogue, a future of harmony in the country and among the peoples of the region."
TGR/DEATH HARIRI/SODANO:SFEIR VIS 20050218 (180)
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