Pontiff Distressed Over Uganda Attacks

KAMPALA, Uganda, JULY 15, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI sent his condolences and expressed his spiritual closeness to the civil authorities and all those affected by last Sunday's massacre in Uganda, which left 74 people dead and numerous wounded.
 
Archbishop Cyprian Kizto Lwanga of Kampala revealed this in a communiqué, Vatican Radio reported today, adding that the Pontiff is praying for the victims, the wounded and for the families that have lost loved ones.
 
The attack by the Al Shabab Somali Islamist militia -- a group linked to the Al-Qaeda terrorist group -- occurred last Sunday in a rugby club in Kampala, while thousands of people were watching the final of the 2010 South African Soccer Cup.
 
The fundamentalist group had warned that it would act violently in Uganda because of the latter's participation in the peace mission established in anarchic Somalia to support the government.
 
Day of Prayer
 
Archbishop Kitzo Lwanga called for a Day of Prayer on Sunday, July 18, for the victims of the attacks.
 
In his communiqué, he "condemned the senseless acts of violence" that "indiscriminately" touched "innocent persons." He said the attack that did not take into account "the sacredness of human life."
 
The archbishop appealed for an end "to all forms of violence as a means to resolve conflicts." When misunderstandings arise, people must take recourse to dialogue to resolve their conflicts, he stressed.