Church leaders in the Philippines condemned the Easter Sunday bombings of several churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.
Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes described the act, which killed more than 200 people and injured hundreds, as extremely evil and blasphemous.
“The act is extremely evil and deserves universal condemnation in this world and in the world to come. The timing of the act alone is blasphemous because it happened on Easter Sunday when all are raised to eternal life because Christ our Head is risen,” Bastes said.
Even the choice of the places targeted, Bastes said, was absolutely “diabolic” because people were gathered to thank God for giving a glorious life without end.
“We the living can only entrust ourselves to God who judges justly while requesting the civil authorities to do their duty of keeping people safe from satanic terrorists!” he said.
Ozamis Archbishop Martin Jumoad was also saddened by the incident. “It is too sad that those innocent worshippers whose intention was only to celebrate Easter died due to cruel acts of violence. I hope those who participated in planning and in the execution of the terroristic acts will not be given peace of mind unless they will repent and face the court of law,” he said.
The Ozamis prelate appealed to all people of good will to unite and never allow evil to succeed. (Leslie Aquino)