VATICAN - Pope conveys sorrow and prayer for victims of attack in Afghanistan

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – After learning the news of the bloody attack that took place on the morning of September 17 in Kabul, on an Italian contingent in Afghanistan, causing the death of 6 Italian soldiers and at least 10 Afghan civilians, and wounding 30 others, the Holy Father Benedict XVI expressed his own sorrow for the event and assured of his prayers for the victims and his closeness to the families and all those effected. This is what journalists were told by Fr. Federico Lombardi, Director of the Holy See Press Office, who expressed his hope that “all this bloodshed may be substituted for the peace for which so many people are working and giving their lives.” “What is most devastating – Lombardi said – is the fact that this violence continues to occur even in the presence of those working for peace.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 18/9/2009)