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Prelates call for prayers after Moscow train bombing

30-03-2010

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The Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow and the Latin Catholic Archbishop of Moscow have expressed "bewilderment" and "pain" over bomb attacks on Moscow's Metro and called for prayers.

Several dozen people were killed and more than 100 injured in the attacks, reportedly carried out by two female suicide bombers suspected to be Chechen rebels, the Catholic News Agency reports.

Catholic Archbishop Paolo Pezzi of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow said the bombs went off when Mass was being celebrated in two churches near the bombed areas. The archdiocese had feared the faithful were among the victims.

He said "bewilderment" is strong because the attacks hit "innocent, simple people".

The archbishop said the Catholic churches of Moscow and St. Petersburg will pray for the victims and for the good of the city and its residents, especially at the upcoming Chrism Mass.

Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia issued a statement saying his heart "pains" over the terrorist acts.

"I am praying for the rest of the victims' souls, for consolation of their near and dear, and for the soonest recovery of the wounded. I beseech the Lord to help the rescuers, medical workers, and all who are trying to alleviate the consequences. I have instructed clergymen to visit the injured persons in hospitals."

http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=20370