The following message from Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor will be read by Bishop George Stack at the Special Mass for the Spanish community this evening in Westminster Cathedral. The Cardinal is in Rome attending a Plenary session of the Pontifical Council for Culture.



Dear friends,

I am sorry that I cannot be with you this evening. I want you to know that my prayers are joined with yours. I know how deep is the shock which the people of Spain, and you - the Spanish community in London have experienced in the past two days. I know because I am here in Rome with the Archbishop of Madrid. We all share a deep sense of shock and outrage.

You have come to the Cathedral to pray for the dead and the injured, the bereaved and the grieving, for loved ones who mourn, and for families who are in shock - some of whom may be known to you personally. Together we raise them up to the Almighty and ask his blessings upon them. Our faith is in the God of love. He alone can heal the terrible wounds which the men of violence wreak on the innocent. We pray for His healing now.

Moment of silent prayer

We make this prayer in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

For information contact: Tim Livesey, Public Affairs Office- 020 7798 9031