Pope calls London blasts \'barbaric acts against humanity\'
VATICAN CITY, Vatican, July 7 (CNA) - Hours after a series of terrorist
attacks rocked London's transit system during this morning's rush hour
commute, Pope Benedict XVI sent a message to Cardinal Cormac Murphy
O'Connor,
Archbishop of Westminster deploring the inhumane acts as "barbaric."
The Holy Father's message was sent by way of Cardinal Secretary of
State
Angelo Sodano. The attacks are believed to coincide with this week's G8
Summit, in which the leaders of the world's 8 most powerful
industrialized
nations are meeting in Gleneagles, Scotland.
"Deeply saddened by the news of the terrorist attacks in central
London",
the message to Cardinal O'Connor said, "the Holy Father offers fervent
prayers for the victims and for all those who mourn. While he deplores
these
barbaric acts against humanity he asks you to convey to the families of
the
injured his spiritual closeness at this time of grief. Upon the people
of
Great Britain he invokes the consolation that only God can give in such
circumstances."
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has reportedly left the G8 Summit to
deal
with the situation back in London.