(ANS - Vatican City) - "Whatever the motivation, homicidal violence is abhorrent and is never justifiable. The life and dignity of all must be resolutely guaranteed and protected. Any incitement to hatred should be rejected and respect for other people must be cultivated." So reads the statement issued yesterday by the Press Office of the Holy See in relation to the terrorist attack on the office of the satirical weekly "Charlie Hebdo".

In a message issued yesterday, the Pope expressed "the strongest condemnation for the horrific attack" and "his closeness, his spiritual solidarity and support for all those who, according to their different responsibilities, continue to work consistently for peace, justice and the rule of law." This morning he offered Mass in the chapel of Saint Martha for the victims of the attack in Paris.

According to a report on Vatican Radio, the Holy Father said before the celebration: "The attack yesterday in Paris makes us think of how much human cruelty there is in the world, and how much terrorism, whether by individuals or by the state. Man is capable of so much cruelty! Let us pray during this Mass for the victims of this cruelty. There are so many victims! And we pray also for the cruel, that the Lord may change their hearts."

These words were echoed on behalf of the Salesians by the Councillor for Social Communication, Fr Filiberto González: "We join the Church and the Pope in saying NO to hatred and violence as a solution to problems or to impose a point of view. Instead we say YES to freedom lived in dialogue and respect, in order to build peace and bring about spaces of healthy coexistence between people and religions. We invite all to pray for peace and respect among peoples."

Published 08/01/2015