The tragic attack in Lahore has left the entire Pakistani nation in a state of deep shock and incredulity. It was the most heinous attack in the history of this city. It has claimed the lives of 74 people, men, women and children, with over 350 wounded. Most of the victims are Muslims, although Christians were the main target of the militants. Some of the wounded are in critical conditions; others will remain paralyzed for their whole life.
Christians in Pakistan belong to the poorest families, constituting the most vulnerable group in the Country. They represent the extremists’ easiest target. Over the past two years there have been several deadly attacks against Christians, most of them on Sundays, our holiest day of the week.
It’s moving to see that, despite having suffered various deadly attacks, the Christian community remains firmly grounded in the faith.
Despite the persecutions, the suffering, and the discrimination, the number of Catholics in Pakistan is constantly growing.
Our faith is like a rock that nothing and no one could ever tarnish. We believe in Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection the third day. Christ was resurrected and won over death. We are not afraid of persecutions. Our faith doesn’t weaken nor falter despite the suffering.
Many Muslims in Pakistan have consoled us. They share our mourning and pray for us. We have mutually prayed for the Muslim and Christian victims. We are all sons of the same God. Muslim religious leaders along with leaders of other religions have condemned this atrocious attack in clear and strong terms. They joined us in the candlelight prayer vigils, in our prayer services, and have issued press releases.
Most Muslims in Pakistan want peace and condemn all forms of violence, discrimination and attacks against Christians.
Thos who attack us are just a few fundamentalist groups, who also strike against Muslims. They attack mosques, churches, public parks, the army, police stations, buses and trains. Their goal is to stir feelings of panic and insecurity.
The Catholic Church in Pakistan is doing her utmost. We mourn the death of all victims, of Christians in particular, attending their funerals, visiting the homes of these bereaved families and the wounded in the hospitals. I have arranged an interfaith prayer at our Centre for Peace in Lahore for Saturday, April 2, to be attended by Muslim, Christian and Hindu religious leaders, human rights activists and promoters of interreligious dialogue, harmony, and peace. The purpose of the meeting is to jointly condemn this act of terrorism and ask the Pakistani government to adopt all necessary measures to stop those who kill in the name of religion, to arrest the culprits and bring them to justice.
Owing to the current delicate situation in Pakistan we are all called to play a more active, positive role in the furthering of Muslim-Christian dialogue, organizing seminars and public debates aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and respect for all. We equally need to form in the faith our poor, vulnerable Christian community.
As promoters of dialogue, we intend to step up our commitment in this field so as to serve as instruments of healing and reconciliation, thereby changing the mindset of the radical groups.
The latter goal, however difficult it may seem, is not impossible. It’s a great challenge for us. In our Country there is an ongoing struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, right and wrong, love and hatred, peace and violence, justice and injustice, the acceptance of others and rejection. But I believe that one day, love, peace, reconciliation and acceptance will come. But we need your prayers, your spiritual and moral support. And with your support, one day, we shall overcome!
