VATICAN CITY, FEB 5, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father sent a telegram of condolence, through Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., to Archbishop Salvatore Gristina of Catania, Italy, for the killing there of police inspector Filippo Raciti during disturbances following a football match on February 2 between the teams of Catania and Palermo. Today in Catania, Archbishop Gristina will preside at the late inspector's funeral.
"Informed of the tragic killing of Chief Inspector Filippo Raciti, the Supreme Pontiff expresses his spiritual closeness to the wife and children of the victim, as well as to the injured and the police who, with other law enforcement forces, work to safeguard the security of citizens.
"In reiterating his firm condemnation of all forms of violence that disfigure the world of football, the Holy Father exhorts its protagonists to promote respect for legality with greater determination, favoring loyalty, solidarity and healthy competitiveness. In this hope, His Holiness raises fervent prayers for the soul of the faithful servant of the State and, while invoking heavenly consolation upon the relatives and colleagues and all those stricken by such dramatic loss, he sends a comforting apostolic blessing, which may also be extended to those present at the funeral rites."
TGR/FOOTBALL VIOLENCE/GRISTINA:RACITI VIS 20070205 (220)
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