In a telegram sent on the Holy Father’s behalf by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, to Archbishop Edmond Farhat, the apostolic nuncio in Turkey, the Pope «implores Almighty God’s mercy for the persons who lost their lives in this dreadful attack, and God’s consolation for the affected families.»
Benedict XVI’s message also expresses «his heartfelt affection for the numerous wounded persons and their relatives, as well as for the authorities and the Turkish people.»
A parcel bomb exploded Saturday in a minibus transporting a group of tourists. Two of the dead were foreigners, one British and the other Irish.
The bomb was placed under one of the seats at the rear of the bus, which was going to a popular Aegean beach. The bomb exploded as the bus went past the town square.
A Kurdish pro-independence extremist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
