Pope condemns ‘Xmas Day killings in Maiduguri

The Nation

26 December 2010

Pope condemns ‘Xmas Day killings in Maiduguri

CATHOLIC pontiff Pope Benedict, Sunday, described the Christmas Day attacks on churches in Maiduguri, Borno State, as absurd violence. He also criticised the violence in Philippines.

Addressing tourists at St Peter’s Square, the Pope said he was saddened by the attacks against Christians in the two countries and a suicide attack in Pakistan.

"I want to express my heartfelt sorrow for the victims of these absurd acts of violence and I appeal to the perpetrators of these acts to abandon the path of hate and seek peaceful solutions to conflicts," he said.

Six persons died in attacks on two churches in Maiduguri. Another six were injured by a bomb in a Roman Catholic Church on the Island of Jolo in the Philippines.