In the telegram to José María Aznar, sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Pope expresses «his firm condemnation for this new act of unjustifiable violence, which is added to so many cruel gestures perpetrated in that tormented nation.»
«In his prayers, the Pope implores the Lord for the eternal rest of the victims and assures his closeness to their families, plunged in great sorrow, in mourning for their loved ones,» the telegram continues.
John Paul II «invites all to pray and work so that in that very tried region, conditions of normality and peace will return as soon as possible.»
