TELEGRAM FOR BISHOP KILLED IN THE PHILIPPINES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 4, 1997 (VIS) - Following is the text of the telegram sent by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, in Pope John Paul's name, to Archbishop Gian Vincenzo Moreni, apostolic nuncio in the Philippines, for the killing this morning in the Philippines of Bishop Benjamin de Jesus, apostolic vicar of Jolo:

"The Holy Father has been shocked and deeply saddened by the act of deplorable violence which has caused the death of Bishop Benjamin de Jesus and he expressed his heartfelt condolences to the whole Catholic community of the Philippines and in particular to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and to then priests, religious and lay faithful of the Vicariate Apostolic of Jolo. He commends to Almighty God's eternal love the noble soul of Bishop Benjamin and he invokes divine strength and comfort on all who mourn their pastor in the hope of resurrection in Jesus Christ our Savior. His Holiness expresses the fervent hope that this senseless tragedy, with the sacrifice of a true servant of peace and tireless worker for harmony between all sectors of the population, will clearly show the futility of violence and call everyone to commit themselves to the path of understanding and dialogue, the only path which will ensure the triumph of peace and justice over every obstacle and provocation. As a token of his spiritual union, His Holiness imparts his Apostolic Blessing to all present at the funeral ceremony."
TGR/DEATH DE JESUS/PHILIPPINES:MORENI:SODANO VIS 970204 (250)