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Pope Benedict has condemned the shooting massacre and bomb attack in Norway that killed at least 93 and urged people to "abandon forever the path of hatred", reports the Telegraph.co.uk.
The Pope, conducting Angelus at his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo outside Rome, said he was deeply saddened by the news of the attacks.
He said: "Once again, unfortunately, arrives the news of death and violence. We all feel deep sorrow for the serious acts of terrorism that occurred in Norway.
"We pray for the victims, the wounded and their loved ones. To each and everyone, I wish to repeat once again the heartfelt plea to abandon forever the path of hatred and to escape the logic of evil."
Catholics in Norway are struck with grief, adds the Catholic News Agency.
"We are so used to being this quiet little nation where nothing like this happens," said Fr. Paul Bratbak, the communications director for the Diocese of Oslo.
"It's just too much to take in at the moment."
The July 22 attacks began when Anders Behring Breivik—by his own admission—detonated a car bomb at the government headquarters in downtown Oslo. That attack took the lives of seven people and injured many more.
Hours later Breivik appeared at a youth camp for the children of the political Labour Party on Utoya Island and, dressed as a policeman, began a shooting spree.
Norwegians gathered Sunday at the Church of Norway's Olso Cathedral for a memorial service that was attended by the country's king and queen.
FULL STORY
Norway killings: Pope Benedict 'prays for the victims' of massacre (Telegraph.co.uk)
Abandon the logic of evil, Pope pleads after Oslo attacks (Catholic News Agency)
RELATED COVERAGE
Suspect in Norway attacks admits involvement, denies responsibility (Washington Post)
Abandon the logic of evil, Pope pleads after Oslo attacks (News York Times)
Norway Attacks Put Spotlight on Rise of Right-Wing Sentiment in Europe (New York Times)
Manifesto from alleged Norway killer (iol news/Reuters)
PHOTO CREDIT
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