VATICAN CITY, MARCH 14, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II expressed his “forceful condemnation” of the “barbarous act of violence” — the assassination of Zoran Djindjic, Prime Minister of Serbia and Montenegro.
In a telegram sent to Archbishop Eugenio Sbarbaro, papal nuncio in Belgrade, the Pope also expressed his sympathy to the government of the nation for the death of the Prime Minister, which filled the Holy Father “with consternation and sadness.”
“At this time of national mourning, His Holiness expresses his solidarity with the people of Serbia and Montenegro in their resolute efforts to work for the renewal of society and the building of a democratic order marked by justice, cooperation in the pursuit of the common good, and respect for the rights of all,” the papal message reads, sent by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state.
“Commending the late Prime Minister to God’s mercy, the Holy Father invokes upon the nation and its people the divine gifts of wisdom, strength and peace,” the message ends.
Djindjic, one of the architects of the fall of dictator Slobodan Milosevic, was shot dead Wednesday as he got out of his car in front of the government building in Belgrade.
At the request of the Serbian government, which fears for the democratic order and the country’s security, interim President Natasha Micic declared a state of emergency.
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Here is the full text of the Holy Father’s telegram:
His Holiness Pope John Paul II has learned with consternation and sadness of the tragic assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic and he asks you kindly to convey his heartfelt condolences to the president and the members of government, together with his forceful condemnation of this barbarous act of violence. At this time of national mourning His Holiness expresses his solidarity with the people of Serbia and Montenegro in their resolute efforts to work for the renewal of society and the building of a democratic order marked by justice, cooperation in the pursuit of the common good and respect for the rights of all. Commending the late Prime Minister to God’s mercy, the Holy Father invokes upon the nation and its people the divine gifts of wisdom, strength and peace.
Cardinal Angelo Sodano
Secretary of State
[Original text: English]
