Pope slams terrorism in message to Lankan envoy

T. B. Maduwegedera, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany, who is also accredited to the Holy See of the Vatican, presented his credentials to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at a ceremony in the Vatican on May 29.

New ambassadors from Asian and African countries also presented their credentials on that occasion. Pope Benedict addressed the gathering with a brief speech and handed over to each ambassador a message addressed to his respective country.

In his message to Ambassador Maduwegedera, the Pope expressed gratitude for the appreciation shown for the Catholic Church’s continuing charity work in Sri Lanka, in particular the Church’s contribution to relief efforts following the tsunami disaster in December 2004.

Referring to the ongoing conflict in the country, Pope Benedict XVI said: “Acts of terrorism are never justifiable and always constitute an affront to humanity”.