VATICAN CITY, FEB 8, 2006 (VIS) - At the end of today's General Audience, Pope Benedict XVI remembered Father Andrea Santoro, the Italian priest assassinated while praying after having celebrated mass last Sunday in Trabzon, Turkey.
The Holy Father prayed that "sacrifice of his life may contribute to dialogue between religions and to peace among people." After a long applause from the 8,000 present in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father added: "May the Lord take the soul of this silent and brave servant of the Gospel."
Pope Benedict XVI revealed that just yesterday there arrived "a precious letter" of Father Andrea, written on January 31, together with the small Christian community of Saint Mary's Parish. "It is an emotional testimony of love and adherence to Christ and His Church. But, above all, it is a mirror of his priestly soul and reflects his concern for the children."
In addition to the letter from Father Andrea, the Pope said that he had received another letter from the women of Saint Mary's inviting him to visit the parish. This letter, he concluded, is a witness "of devotion and love for Christ."
AG/ASSASSINATED PRIEST/TURKEY:SANTORO VIS 20060208 (190)
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