(Vatican News) “His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life in the explosion at the Al-Wuhailat market in Baghdad”.
This was how the telegram sent by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin on behalf of Pope Francis to the Apostolic Nuncio in Iraq, Archbishop Mitja Leskovar, began.
The telegram continued: “He sends condolences to the families and friends of those who have died, entrusting their souls to the mercy of Almighty God”.
Finally, the telegram conveyed the message that “His Holiness renews his fervent prayers that no act of violence will diminish the efforts of those who strive to promote reconciliation and peace in Iraq”.
A bomb exploded on Tuesday as shoppers were obtaining what they needed for the festival of Eid al-Adha in a market in the northern Sadr City area in the capital city of Iraq. Reports estimate that 30 people have died as a result, and dozens more were wounded. This was the deadliest such attack in Baghdad in the past six months.
Tej Francis
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