Pope decried Oslo attack; bishop says all are harmed

July 25, 2011

Pope Benedict XVI sent a message of sympathy to King Harald V of Norway after the terrorist attack that killed 93 people in Oslo.

The Pope offered his "fervent prayers for the victims and their families, invoking God's peace upon the dead and divine consolation upon those who suffer. At this time of national grief he prays that all Norwegians will be spiritually united in a determined resolve to reject the ways of hatred and conflict and to work together fearlessly in shaping a future of mutual respect, solidarity and freedom for coming generations."

As Norway observed a day of mourning on July 25, Bishop Bernt Ivar Eidsvig of Oslo reported that all the city's churches held special services for the victims. "It has affected every one of us," he told Vatican Radio. "Despite political differences, this is a tragedy."

 

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Further information:

• Message of Condolence For Victims Of Norway Attacks (VIS)
• Bishop of Oslo: Terrorist attack affects every one of us (Vatican Radio)