BOMBING A TERRIBLE ACT OF BLIND VIOLENCE SAYS POPE
Bombing a terrible act of blind violence, says Pope John Paul
POPE John Paul condemned the bombing as a terrible act of blind violence. Speaking at his Sunday blessing, he said he hoped the blast would not dent the Irish people's determination to seek peaceful co-existence.
"Yesterday's joyful Feast of the Assumption has been tragically marred by the latest terrible bombing in Northern Ireland," he told pilgrims and tourists in the courtyard of his summer residence at Castlegandolfo.
"Once again , blind violence is attempting to impede the difficult path of peace and productive harmony which most discerning people are convinced is possible. Let us invoke eternal rest on those who have lost their lives in such a tragic and senseless way and ask the Lord to bless and comfort the many injured, the families in mourning, and all who continue to put their trust in dialogue and agreement."
"My earnest hope for that beloved country is that the Irish people of goodwill will not succumb to violence and that they will persevere with determination in building that peaceful coexistence on which the whole future depends."
President Clinton condemned the bombing and said it would not deter him from visiting Ireland. A spokesman said clearly the people of Ireland had chosen a path towards peace and the bomb would not change that.
George Mitchell, who led negotiations to a Northern peace accord in April, condemned the bombing and appealed to politicians to see the peace process through.
"I totally condemn the brutal murder of innocent people in Northern Ireland ," said Mr Mitchell.
"These cowardly murderers do not represent the people of Ireland, north or south."
Mr Mitchell, who was in his home state of Maine over the weekend, said the bombing "will obviously have a negative effect" on the peace process.
"I hope very much it will not have a fatal effect," he told a local television station.
South African President Nelson Mandela said he was shocked and dismayed at the bomb blast and called for peace efforts to continue.
"Please accept South Africa's deepest sympathy at the lives lost. We mourn with the families of the deceased and pray for a speedy recovery of the injured," he said.
He urged political leaders and parties to continue to strive for peace.
POPE John Paul condemned the bombing as a terrible act of blind violence. Speaking at his Sunday blessing, he said he hoped the blast would not dent the Irish people's determination to seek peaceful co-existence.
"Yesterday's joyful Feast of the Assumption has been tragically marred by the latest terrible bombing in Northern Ireland," he told pilgrims and tourists in the courtyard of his summer residence at Castlegandolfo.
"Once again , blind violence is attempting to impede the difficult path of peace and productive harmony which most discerning people are convinced is possible. Let us invoke eternal rest on those who have lost their lives in such a tragic and senseless way and ask the Lord to bless and comfort the many injured, the families in mourning, and all who continue to put their trust in dialogue and agreement."
"My earnest hope for that beloved country is that the Irish people of goodwill will not succumb to violence and that they will persevere with determination in building that peaceful coexistence on which the whole future depends."
President Clinton condemned the bombing and said it would not deter him from visiting Ireland. A spokesman said clearly the people of Ireland had chosen a path towards peace and the bomb would not change that.
George Mitchell, who led negotiations to a Northern peace accord in April, condemned the bombing and appealed to politicians to see the peace process through.
"I totally condemn the brutal murder of innocent people in Northern Ireland ," said Mr Mitchell.
"These cowardly murderers do not represent the people of Ireland, north or south."
Mr Mitchell, who was in his home state of Maine over the weekend, said the bombing "will obviously have a negative effect" on the peace process.
"I hope very much it will not have a fatal effect," he told a local television station.
South African President Nelson Mandela said he was shocked and dismayed at the bomb blast and called for peace efforts to continue.
"Please accept South Africa's deepest sympathy at the lives lost. We mourn with the families of the deceased and pray for a speedy recovery of the injured," he said.
He urged political leaders and parties to continue to strive for peace.
Further Information
Publisher: IRISH INDEPENDENT
Ref: II/015
Published Date: 17-Aug-98
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