Vatican City, Sep 5, 2004 / 22:00 pm
In a telegram sent in his name on Saturday Septemer 4 to Archbishop Antonio Mennini, representative of the Holy See in the Russian Federation, Pope John Paul II expressed his “spiritual closeness” to the families of the victims - many of whom were children - of the terrorist attack on a school in Beslan, Russia, and his hope for an end to “the spiral of hatred and violence.”
"Upon receiving the news of the bloody epilogue after the ferocious hostage situation in North Ossetia, with vile and merciless aggression against defenseless children and families, the Supreme Pontiff asks Your Excellency to convey his affection to the Russian people in this hour of dismay and sorrow,” read the telegram.
“While expressing his spiritual closeness especially to the families of the dead and wounded the Holy Father entrusts the innocent victims of this tragedy to the mercy of the Almighty, and prays for their eternal repose.”
“Once again His Holiness condemns every form of terrorism and hopes the spiral of hatred and violence does not prevail and at the same time he implores Our Lady, so venerated by Christians in Russia, to inspire in the hearts of everyone thoughts of wisdom and resolutions for peace and reconciliation. He invokes on all those who have been tried by this savage attack, the comforting blessing of God almighty.”
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA