Pope John Paul II yesterday issued a strong condemnation of the bombing outrage in Omagh, describing it as an act of "blind violence".
Giving his traditional Sunday blessing from his summer residence in Castelgandolfo, south of Rome, the Pope expressed the hope that the bomb attack would not dent the determination of the Irish people to seek "peaceful coexistence".
Pointing out that the attack had taken place on the Feast of the Assumption, a day marked in Italy not only by religious celebrations but also by a public holiday, the Pope told the gathering of pilgrims and tourists: "Yesterday's joyful Feast of the Assumption has been tragically marred by the latest terrible bombing in Northern Ireland . . . Once again, blind violence is attempting to impede the difficult path of peace and productive harmony which most discerning people are convinced is possible . . .
"Let us invoke eternal rest on those who have lost their lives in such a tragic and senseless way and ask the Lord to bless and comfort the many injured, the families in mourning, and all who continue to put their trust in dialogue and agreement.
"My earnest hope for that beloved country is that Irish people of goodwill will not succumb to violence and that they will persevere with determination in building that peaceful coexistence on which the whole future depends."