Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Fides Service) - “The bomb blasts in London make us reflect one again on the subject of violence. Although as yet there is no confirmation that these were terrorist attacks, one’s mind immediately returns to the attacks in Madrid. The deaths of innocent people make us ask again “Why Lord?”. I want to say that violence can never carry a message. This is true for the many types of extremism in the world today” said Fr. Elieso Mercado, head of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Oblate Missionaries of Immaculate Mary in the Philippines a country which has experience of terrorist attacks on innocent civilians.
“We condemn all forms of violence and attacks on life committed by human wickedness - the missionary told Fides . Although news is still hazy, the mind turns to international terrorism and Al-Qaeda. I wish to say that if this path is confirmed, this strategy is ineffective, unsuccessful, it harms the Arab world, Islam and peace in the world”.
“However for our part it is necessary to reflect deeply to reach the roots of this violence”, Fr. Mercado told Fides and he concludes: “We must pray for peace and entrust humanity to God and hope that men, whatever their nationality or religion, will put aside violence and war, and avoid destruction and death”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/7/2005 righe 17 parole 171)
