Vatican City, Feb 20, 2006 / 22:00 pm
In light of continued violence in many Muslim populated parts of the world over Danish cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed, Pope Benedict has called for an end to the clashes--particularly to those recently in Nigeria, which have been some of the bloodiest yet.
As of yesterday, 16 people--mostly Christians--had been killed and 11 churches burned in that country.
Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano sent a telegram, in the name of the Holy Father, to the ecclesiastical and civil authorities of Nigeria, following the clashes.
In the message, the Holy Father was "Saddened to learn of the tragic consequences of the recent violent protests in northern Nigeria,” and that he “assures all those affected of his closeness in prayer.”
The Pope also commended the late Reverend Father Michael Gajere, killed … as well as “all the deceased to the loving mercy of the Almighty.”
“Upon their grieving families”, Cardinal Sodano wrote, “the Holy Father invokes divine blessings of strength and consolation. He likewise prays for all involved in providing security, encouraging them in their efforts to ensure peace and to promote the rule of law for which all people of good will long."