VATICAN - Violence Dishonors God, Pope Says

By Gerard O'Connell, Special Correspondent in Rome

January 11, 2010
ZY08508.1584
340 words Text size VATICAN CITY (UCAN) -- Pope Benedict XVI has denounced the recent violence against Christians in several countries when he spoke to pilgrims at St. Peter's Square on Sunday, Jan. 10.

Pope Benedict XVI

"The violence against Christians in some countries has aroused the indignation of many, especially because it was manifested in the most sacred days of the Christian (Christmas) tradition," the Pope said.

His comments came just days after several churches in Malaysia were firebombed as controversy rages over whether non-Muslims can use the word "Allah" for God.

The Pope called on institutions in countries to combat violence: "It's necessary that the political and religious institutions do not fail in their responsibilities in this field."

He concluded his remarks by repeating what he has often said on similar occasions: "There cannot be violence in the name of God, nor can one think that he is honoring Him by offending the dignity and freedom of those similar to himself."

Although he did not mention any specific country, his comments were seen as referring to attacks not only in Malaysia but also in Egypt and Algeria. In Egypt, a drive-by shooting on the Orthodox Christmas Day left six Coptic Christians and a Muslim guard dead near Luxor. In Algeria, Muslims blocked Christians from holding a Christmas service.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone spoke about the violence against Christians in Egypt and "other parts of the world" at the opening of the Judicial Year of the Tribunal of the Vatican City State on Jan. 8.

He said he hoped that despite the violence against Christians in these countries, it would be possible "to resume a positive relationship of coexistence, collaboration, dialogue and respect of the beliefs of each one, especially when one is dealing with communities that had been rooted a long time in the (given) territory."

The Holy See wished "to reaffirm the fundamental right to religious freedom and, especially, the valuing of the contribution that Christian communities give to the development of the societies in which they live," he added.

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