Pope's reaction to London terrorist attacks

Telegram from the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI to His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster.

DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE NEWS OF THE TERRORIST ATTACKS IN CENTRAL LONDON. THE HOLY FATHER OFFERS FERVENT PRAYERS FOR THE VICTIMS AND FOR ALL THOSE WHO MOURN. WHILE HE DEPLORES THESE BARBARIC ACTS AGAINST HUMANITY HE ASKS YOU TO CONVEY TO THE FAMILIES OF THE INJURED HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS AT THIS TIME OF GRIEF. UPON THE PEOPLE OF GREAT BRITAIN HE INVOKES THE CONSOLATION THAT ONLY GOD CAN GIVE IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES.

CARDINAL ANGELO SODANO
SECRETARY OF STATE

(Source: Vatican Information Service)