As the thousands of people made their way to the various ICTU-organized Peace Rallies throughout Northern Ireland, the news was coming through that the Sovereign Pontiff, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, condemned the Northern Ireland Attacks. 

Speaking after today’s general audience, Pope Benedict said:   

 “It was with deep sorrow that I learned of the murders of two young British soldiers and a policeman in Northern Ireland. As I assure the families of the victims and the injured of my spiritual closeness, I condemn in the strongest terms these abominable acts of terrorism which, apart from desecrating human life, seriously endanger the ongoing peace process in Northern Ireland and risk destroying the great hopes generated by this process in the region and throughout the world. I ask the Lord that no one will again give in to the horrendous temptation of violence and that all will increase their efforts to continue building – through the patient effort of dialogue – a peaceful, just and reconciled society”.

VIS March 11, 2009

The Belfast rally stopped the traffic outside City Hall for a period of time. There were representatives of the Alliance Party, the Ulster Unionists Ulster Conservatives & Unionists – New Force present together with about five members of Sinn Féin. The DUP and SDLP were notable for their apparent absence. 

Hopefully now the terrorists criminals will take heed and stop their campaign of violence and illegality now. The message should be clear that if anyone knows of anything that would be helpful to catch the killers of these two young soldiers in Antrim, and the constable in Craigavon, they should contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

CONTACT NUMBERS FOR INFORMATION ON MURDERS

Craigavon murder: 

Lurgan PSNI station: 0845 600 8000.

Antrim murders:
Antrim PSNI station: 0845 600 8000

Crimestoppers:  
Speak anonymously: 0800 555 111.