VATICAN CITY, 11 JAN 2008 (VIS) - Benedict XVI has sent a telegram to Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, Iraq, expressing solidarity in the wake of recent attacks against Christian communities in various of the country's cities.
The English-language telegram, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., makes it clear that the Pope was "deeply concerned to learn of the attacks on Christian targets in Baghdad, Mosul and Kirkuk" on 6 and 9 January, and that he "expresses his spiritual closeness to the injured and their families".
The Holy Father offers the cardinal, who is also president of the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Iraq, and the archbishops of the cities concerned, his "fraternal assurances of prayer as you seek to offer hope and strength to your people".
The Pope asks Cardinal Delly "to convey his heartfelt solidarity to the superiors of the religious communities affected by these attacks, and to renew his sentiments of sincere solidarity with all members of the Christian communities in Iraq, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.
"Mindful that such attacks are also directed against the whole people of Iraq, His Holiness appeals to the perpetrators to renounce the ways of violence, which have caused so much suffering to the civilian population, and he encourages all those in authority to renew efforts towards peaceful negotiation aimed at a just resolution of the country's difficulties, respectful of the rights of all.
"Praying for a return to the peaceful coexistence of the diverse groups that make up the population of this beloved country, the Holy Father commends all the people of Iraq to the heavenly protection of our almighty and merciful Father".
TGR/ATTACKS CHRISTIANS/IRAQ:DELLY VIS 20080111 (290)
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