Pope’s shooting ‘work of dark forces’

Press, 15 May 1981, Page 6

Pope’s shooting ‘work of dark forces’

PA ' Wellington The Catholic Pro-Nuncio to New Zealand (the Most Bev. Antonio Magnohi) said last evening it was horrifying that the dark forces of evil had been let, loose against such a good , man as Pope John Paul if.;. The papal Ambassador described Pope John Paul as a great,apostle of love, concern, and joqd.-. He said the attempt represented : the struggle of evil against. the good predicted in/the gospel and described in “The City of God" by St Augustine. “But good will triumph. We have this assurance given to us by Jesus Christ." He * said communications received from the Vatican secretariat of State by the Wellington-based. Apostolic Nunciature gave cause for optimism concerning the Pope's recovery. "In this sad hour I invite all Catholics and Christians to pray for the Holy Father,

this great and beloved religious leader, so that the Lord will look after him. “Let us pray also for the conversion of the evil-doers,” he said.

The Metropolitan of New Zealand (the Most'Rev. T. S. Williams) said it „ was difficult to credit that a man like the Pope should become a victim of violence.

Archbishop Williams said that Pope John Paul II is a man so devoted to the cause of peace and determined to oppose violence. Special prayers for the Pope’s speedy recovery, and for his would-be assassin, were offered at the lunchtime Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Christchurch yesterday. Reaction to the attempted assassination was one of great shock: the gunman was "obviously deranged,” said the Rt Rev. James Harrington, last evening. “The Pope is a man who

loves people and who pleads for peace and an end to violence. To have him suddenly struck down makes you wonder whatever sort of a world we are living in,” said Monsignor Harrington. The Catholic ;■ Bishop of Christchurch (the Most Rev. B. P. Ashby) is in Tonga and was not available for comment.

Anglicans held; sevices for the Pope’s recovery in* Christchurch yesterday. The Anglican Vicar-General of Christchurch, the Ven. R. J. Witty, said that special services would be held throughout the diocese on Sunday. Anglicans throughout New Zealand seat their prayers for the Pope’s recovery to the Catholic community yesterday. . The Bishop of Wellington, the Rt. Rev. E. K. Norman, sent the Anglican Church’s message of sympathy to Archbishop Williams.