Letter: The Omagh legacy
Sir: Leo Stevenson's assertion (letter, 17 August) that the Pope does not unreservedly condemn the Omagh bombing is breathtaking. His suggestion that the bombers are perusing the Pope's speeches to see if there is any condemnation, and to take comfort if there is not, is truly bizarre.
For years the Irish bishops have made their condemnation of all politically motivated murders crystal-clear, and it is utterly fanciful to suggest that the Pope diverges from this view.
Mr Stevenson also makes the mistake of assuming that the motivating force of militant Republicans is Catholicism, and that they might therefore be influenced by what the Pope says. Catholicism may be their nominal church allegiance, but Republicanism is their religion.
ALAN PAVELIN
Chislehurst, Kent
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies