Pope Benedict XVI expresses his sympathy over the violence against Christians in Pakistan

Cardinal Tarcizio Bertone, State Secretary of the Apostolic Capital, sent a telegram on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI to bishop Feysalabadu (Pakistan), in which the Pope expressed sympathy over the terrible tragedy that happened in the town of Goyra. At least eight Christians, including one child and four women, were burned alive during an attack by Islamic fundamentalists on the Christian part of the town of Goyra in the province of Pendzhab. Many people were wounded, some of which remain in serious condition. The reason for the violent attack was the alleged disrespect of the Koran by a Christian boy. The minister for religious minorities in Pakistan said that the prosecution was wrong and observed that the police did not properly defend the Christian community. Expressing his spiritual closeness with the victims and their families, the Holy Father sends the local dioceses community, and all Christians of Pakistan, a word of encouragement, to be strong in the face of violence, so that we begin to create a world of mutual respect for religions and a respect for human life.

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