It is with utter shock and grief that we the members of the Standing Committee of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, gathered at St. John's Medical College , Bangalore for our bi-annual meeting extend our heartfelt sympathies to the people of the United States, the Government, the relatives of victims and indeed all the members of the Bishops' Conference of the USA, in this your hour of pain and deep distress.

We unanimously condemn such dastardly acts. The lives of thousands of innocent people have been lost. It is difficult to comprehend the hatred that can be responsible for such an attack.

In moments such as these, a special responsibility and burden falls on the spiritual leaders. We have witnessed through the media the important role played by Church personnel in this difficult moment. The church in India is with you and if there is in any way we can assist we would be willing to do so.

We assure you of our prayers that God may comfort and strengthen you in this sad and sorrowful moment. May the love of our Saviour and His peace be the solace of all those affected.

United with you in this moment of grief, I remain,

Yours in Christ,


Archbishop Cyril Baselios
President, Catholic Bishops' Conference of India
and the Catholic Bishops of India