Pope strongly condemns Jolo church attack
Credit to Author: Dennis Maliwanag| Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2019 23:31:24 +0000
PANAMA CITY–Pope Francis has expressed “firmest reproach” for the twin bombings inside the Catholic cathedral on Jolo island that killed at least 20 people, and is calling for those responsible to change their ways.
He also prayed for the dead and wounded during his Sunday blessing, delivered from Panama where he was wrapping up a youth festival.
The pope said the “terrorist attack” was just the latest to hit the Christian community in the Philippines.
He expressed “the firmest reproach for this episode of violence.” He called for peace, for those responsible to change their ways and for serene cohabitation for Filipinos.
Once again, he said, “the Christian community has been plunged into mourning.”
Bishop Angelito Lampon, who previously served in Jolo, said Sunday’s attack may be the worst, but was certainly not the first on the church.
“In my 20 years there from 1998 to last week, there were seven hand grenades lobbed into our cathedral,” he told AFP. “Fortunately there was just a little damage and no casualties.”‘
Five soldiers, a member of the coast guard and 12 civilians were among the dead while 83 other people were wounded, said regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana.
The bombings took place on Jolo island, where Muslim militants are active.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, issuing a formal communique saying two suicide bombers had detonated explosive belts, according to the SITE Intelligence Group which monitors jihadist activities. Associated Press, Agence France-Presse