Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Madrid (Agenzia Fides) - Archbishop Francisco Pérez González, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Spain voiced to Fides his deep grief after the tragic terrorist attacks yesterday in Spain (with a total loss of 198 lives and more than 1,400 injured), “new evangelisation should constantly underline the urgent need for conversion of heart, because only a heart which is converted opens to forgiveness, love and respect for human rights and is therefore able to respect the life of others”, said Archbishop Pérez adding “these acts are provoked by a lack of charity and love which leads to a loss of respect for human life. In a final analysis they are the result of evil, sin, violence on the part of people who put their own political ideology above the lives of people and the rule of law ”.
In Spain, Archbishop Pérez continued, March 11 will be remembered as “the day of infamy”, “the day of massacre”, because it was “an immense tragedy, ruthless, which struck indiscriminately, respecting no one, provoking in the entire nation in people of every political group and ideology, sentiments of deep indignation, pain and affliction”. The victims in those trains were workers, men women, children young people old people, not only from all over Spain but there were also people from Latin America, Rumania, Poland, people of many different cultures and religions. “Terrorism, from what ever side it comes, is a social evil, indeed it is a dagger of the devil who is destroying society” Archbishop Pérez affirmed.
With regard to the criminals who committed the act the Military Ordinate said “it is not clear, some say Al Qaeda might have been involved, in any case there is the shadow of ETA”.
“The Church and the people of Spain have firmly condemned the attacks. The Bishops issued a joint statement in which they reject categorically any form of violence on the part of those who in the name of freedom, take the liberty to kill. We also asked people to demonstrate against these acts. All the Bishops, at the request of the president of the Bishops’ Conference Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, will take part in demonstrations today in Madrid and elsewhere in Spain”.
In Madrid thousands are expected to take part in a massive anti-terrorist demonstration this evening which will move at 7pm from Plaza Colón to Atocha Railway Station. Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, former premiers and other members of the government have pledged their participation. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 12/3/2004; righe 31 - parole 425)
