CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, JULY 29, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Killing is never justified, says Benedict XVI in a message sent to the Algerian president after two of the country’s diplomats were murdered by terrorists.
«The death of a human being cannot be the solution to claims of any kind, and cannot make of the assassins partners in dialogue and peace,» said the note of condolence sent in the Holy Father’s name by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, to Abdelaziz Bouteflika, president of Algeria.
Members of the Al-Qaeda terrorist group in Iraq announced Wednesday on the Internet that they killed the head of the Algerian diplomatic mission in Baghdad, Ali Belaroussi, and his attache, Azedine Belkadi, whom they kidnapped last week as the two were leaving the Nigerian embassy in Iraq’s capital city.
In the message, the Pope «unites himself with the pain of their families, of the authorities and of the Algerian people, all affected by this drama which also touches the international community.»
Benedict XVI «salutes the courage and faithfulness to their mission of builders of peace and negotiation in the country, who also brought their help to reconstruction.»
The Holy Father «makes a new call to humanity and justice, in the legitimate respect of individuals» to «all those seeking to resolve conflicts by the way of violence.»
Lastly, Benedict XVI «exhorts all men and women of good will to join in building a world of brotherhood among peoples and beliefs, so that differences become opportunities for sharing and friendship.»
