Church leaders condemn Mumbai attacks

December 01, 2008

The bishops of India condemned the terrorist attacks in Mumbai (Bombay) that left nearly 200 people dead. Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai denounced the "criminal acts against a courageous and tolerant city," and quickly opened medical centers to serve those wounded by the terrorists. Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, called the attacks a "most heinous crime-- to indiscriminately kill ordinary people in the streets, railway stations, and hotels for whatever cause." On Friday, Auxiliary Bishop Percival Fernandez of Bombay said, "Life has returned to normalcy, except in the business district of south Mumbai."

Pope Benedict issued an appeal for peace in India, and asked prayers for the victims of the terrorist attack, during his Angelus audience on Sunday, November 30. The Pontiff sent his "heartfelt condolences" in a message to Cardinal Gracias, saying that the "brutal attacks" were a grave offense against humanity.

 

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Further information:

• Bishop Says Mumbai Comes Back To Normalcy (ICNS)
• Cardinal of Mumbai: 'Criminal acts against a courageous and tolerant city' (AsiaNews)
• Church Condemns Terror In Mumbai (ICNS)
• Indian Bishops Condemn Terror Attack in Mumbai (ICNS)
• Telegram for attacks in Mumbai (VIS)