VATICAN CITY, 30 NOV 2008 (VIS) - After praying the Angelus today, the Holy Father invited people to pray "for the many victims of the brutal terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, and of the clashes in Jos, Nigeria, as well as for the injured and for everyone who has been affected by the violence, in whatever way.
"The causes and circumstances of these tragic events are different", he added, "but the horror and censure at the outbreak of so much cruel and senseless violence is one and the same. We ask the Lord to touch the hearts of people who delude themselves by thinking this is the way to resolve local or international problems, and we feel urged to give an example of mildness and love in order to build a society worthy of God and man".
Pope Benedict then turned his attention to the recent Latin American Meeting of Prison Pastoral Care, promoted by the Episcopal Council for Latin America, expressing his encouragement "to those who work in favour of men an women who have lost their liberty, but not their dignity.
"Also in cases such as these", he concluded, "fundamental human rights have to be respected and attempts made at recovery and re-education so as to enable prisoners to be reintegrated into society. I express my closeness to them, I remember them in my prayers and I bless them, inviting them not to feel alone and to maintain hope in the Lord, Who is always faithful to His promises of salvation and Who comes to visit His vineyard, which He Himself planted among men".
ANG/TERRORISM PRISON PASTORAL CARE/... VIS 20081201 (280)
"The causes and circumstances of these tragic events are different", he added, "but the horror and censure at the outbreak of so much cruel and senseless violence is one and the same. We ask the Lord to touch the hearts of people who delude themselves by thinking this is the way to resolve local or international problems, and we feel urged to give an example of mildness and love in order to build a society worthy of God and man".
Pope Benedict then turned his attention to the recent Latin American Meeting of Prison Pastoral Care, promoted by the Episcopal Council for Latin America, expressing his encouragement "to those who work in favour of men an women who have lost their liberty, but not their dignity.
"Also in cases such as these", he concluded, "fundamental human rights have to be respected and attempts made at recovery and re-education so as to enable prisoners to be reintegrated into society. I express my closeness to them, I remember them in my prayers and I bless them, inviting them not to feel alone and to maintain hope in the Lord, Who is always faithful to His promises of salvation and Who comes to visit His vineyard, which He Himself planted among men".
ANG/TERRORISM PRISON PASTORAL CARE/... VIS 20081201 (280)
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