His Holiness Benedict XVI, deeply saddened by the news of the tragic incidents at the Uribana Prison in Lara State, which have caused numerous victims, raises prayers of suffrage to the Lord for the eternal rest of the deceased, expresses his deepest sympathy and spiritual closeness to the families of the victims, and prays for a speedy and full recovery of the wounded.
Likewise, the Pope encourages all institutions and persons involved to continue working in a spirit of collaboration and good will to overcome the problems so as to avoid future repetition of such dramatic events. With these sentiments, the Pope invokes the loving protection of Mary and affectionately imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a sign of hope and consolation in this time of sadness.
[Translation by Vatican Radio]
