Papal Telegram on Death of Nun in Somalia

VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 19, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is the telegram Benedict XVI sent today through Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone to the superior general of the Consolata Missionaries expressing his condolences for the death of Sister Leonella Sgobarti. The woman religious was killed Sunday in Mogadishu, Somalia.

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Reverend Mother Gabriella Bono
Superior general of the Consolata Missionaries

Informed of the tragic death of Sister Leonella Sgobarti cruelly killed in Mogandishu, the Supreme Pontiff wishes to express his closeness to that missionary institute, as well as to the relatives of the mourned religious who carried out with joy an appreciated work at the service of the peoples of Somalia, especially in favor of nascent life in the area of health care formation.

In firmly deploring all forms of violence, His Holiness hopes that the blood shed by such a faithful disciple of the Gospel will be a seed of hope to build an authentic fraternity among peoples, in mutual respect of the religious convictions of every one, and while raising fervent prayers for the repose of the meritorious missionary, he imparts his comforting apostolic blessing to her fellow sisters, relatives and all those who mourn her violent passing away.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
Vatican secretary of state

[Translation by ZENIT]