Vatican City, Aug 28, 2008 / 00:44 am
Upon finishing his talk on St. Paul at today’s general audience in Vatican City on Wednesday, Pope Benedict turned his attention to the attacks against Christians in India. He appealed for an end to the violence and prayed that a return to peace would soon be restored.
Benedict XVI told of his deep sadness upon having learned the news about the violence against Christian communities in the Indian State of Orissa. People have been killed, others injured, and church property and private houses destroyed following the murder of the Hindu leader Swami Lakshmananda Saraswati.
The Holy Father said, "I implore the Lord to accompany and support (our brothers and sisters in faith) in this time of suffering and to give them the strength to continue in the service of love in favor of all."
He concluded by asking local religious leaders and civil authorities "to work together to restore among the members of the various communities the peaceful coexistence and harmony which have always been the distinguishing mark of Indian Society."