(ANS - Lahore) - The cowardly attack perpetrated yesterday 16 December at a school in Peshawar has sparked outrage around the world. "We cannot be silent in the face of this barbarity" was the comment of the Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime.

There were 141 deaths including 132 children and teenagers, and 124 wounded, almost all students. This was a mode of execution devoid of any humanity. This serious violation of the rules of humanity written in the heart of every human person has aroused universal reprobation.

Fr Peter Zago, SDB, has been in Pakistan for over 20 years. In a comment to VIS (International Volunteers for Development) he said: "There are no words to describe what happened. This was evil directed relentlassly against defenceless children and their teachers."

He went on to say: "As the wise young girl Malala said, these terrible events will only increase the determination of Pakistani children and young people who are eager to learn, even on those school desks now smeared with blood and pain. Do not get discouraged. We hope that deeds like this will open the eyes of the West and of more moderate Muslims and that they will unite in a strong and unanimous condemnation of violence."

This morning the Rector Major wrote on his Facebook page: "I AM OUTRAGED AT THE ATTACK ON A SCHOOL IN PAKISTAN!" 

Referring to a photo showing the pain of so many parents for the loss of their children, he added: "I know that this image BRINGS PAIN TO ALL OF US. WE SHARE THE PAIN OF THESE MOTHERS AND FATHERS ... BUT WE CANNOT REMAIN SILENT IN THE FACE OF THIS BARBARITY !! Nothing, nothing, NOTHING! CAN JUSTIFY THE DEATH OF A HUMAN BEING. There is no political or social reason, nor anything that we can invent to JUSTIFY DEATH ...

I offer my prayers to the Lord for the pain of these fathers and mothers, AND I ASK HIM TO HELP US TO BECOME MORE RATIONAL if we cannot become MORE HUMAN ".

Published 17/12/2014