Benedict XVI prays for protection of ‘our little ones’ regarding case of missing Italian brothers

Vatican City, Mar 3, 2008 / 14:01 pm

Following Sunday’s Angelus, the Holy Father addressed the recent discovery of the bodies of two young Italian brothers who disappeared from their home more than a year ago.

The brothers, ages 11 and 13 at the time of the disappearance, were last seen at a Holy Communion party on June 5, 2006.  Their bodies were discovered last week at the bottom of a cistern, along with a small, red ball that was given out at the party.

The prosecution is working to discover if the children accidentally fell into the cistern while playing with the ball or if foul-play was involved.

The primary suspect is the boys’ father, who has a history of abusing of his sons.

The father is currently in jail under the suspicion of killing the young boys or hiding their bodies.

The Pope described the situation as "A very sad end, that affected me deeply as it did many people. I wish to take this opportunity to launch a cry in support of childhood: Let us look after our little ones! We must love them and help them to grow. I say this to parents, but also to institutions. In launching this appeal, my thoughts go to children all over the world, and especially to the most defenseless, exploited and abused. I entrust each child to the heart of Jesus who said: 'Let the little children come to me'".