Pope expresses deep solidarity with SL communities mourning Easter attack victims

• Vatican releases message for first remembrance of Easter attacks today 
• Message says Pope prays the tragedy will draw Christians and other religions in SL together and build greater compassion and tolerance

The Vatican yesterday released a message to mark the first year remembrance of the Easter attacks, which falls today, stating that Pope Francis has expressed deep solidarity with all communities mourning the deceased.

In a letter dated 25 March, Secretariat of State Substitute Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra shared Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s message intended for today, in response to a request by Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.

The message stated that on the first anniversary of the attacks, Pope Francis was joining the clergy and faithful of Sri Lanka who, together with fellow Christians and members of other religions, solemnly mark the day.

“His Holiness expresses deep solidarity with the communities of Sri Lanka who mourn the deceased, and he implores from the Risen Lord the balm of his compassion and mercy,” the letter stated, adding, “He prays that this tragedy will draw Christians and those of other religions present in Sri Lanka ever closer together, as they seek to build a society of greater tolerance and compassion, of forgiveness and peace.”

The Secretary of State’s message went on to say that it was the Pope’s profound hope that “the hearts of Sri Lankans on this anniversary will overcome hatred with love, injury with pardon, discord with unity, for the common good of their society”.