Vatican condemns Orissa attack

The Vatican on Tuesday deplored the attack on Churches and Christian orphanages by Hindu extremists protesting the killing of a prominent VHP leader in Orissa.

In a statement, the Vatican said the "Holy See expresses reprehension for these actions which harm the dignity and the freedom of people and compromise peaceful civilian coexistence".

It expressed solidarity with local churches and the religious orders involved, and said “these actions are an affront to dignity, peoples' freedom, and peaceful civil coexistence.”

Appealing for an end to violence and for "a climate of dialogue and reciprocal respect" a top Vatican official, Cardinal Jean–Louis Tauran called the attack "a sin against God and humanity."

Certainly religion cannot be invoked for crimes of this type. There is no possible justification," said Tauran, who heads the Vatican's council for inter–religious dialogue.

He added that the incident would prompt him to intensify his contacts with Hindu leaders, urging them to address the problem of violence against Christians, which he claimed is being largely ignored.

Meanwhile a hospital for the elderly run by the Missionaries of Charity was destroyed (for a second time). Some Sisters of Mother Teresa have been attacked with stones.

A top body of Indian bishops counted 32 incidents of violence against Christians in Orissa over the past two days. In protest, it said some 25,000 Catholic schools and colleges in India would be closed on Friday.