VATICAN CITY (CNS): Pope John Paul II has condemned the ‘barbarous act of violence’ in which Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic of Serbia and Montenegro was assassinated and offered his prayers for the nation’s people.
Mr Djindjic was shot and killed on March 12 in front of government buildings in Belgrade. He was pronounced dead after being rushed to a hospital.
Although the Pope and top Vatican officials were on retreat when Mr Djindjic was assassinated, Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, sent a telegram of condolence in the Pope’s name.
‘At this time of national mourning, His Holiness expresses his solidarity with the people of Serbia and Montenegro in their resolute efforts to work for the renewal of society and the building of a democratic order marked by justice, co-operation in the pursuit of the common good and respect for the rights of all,’ said the telegram, released on March 14 at the Vatican.
