Indian bishops call for prayers for peace after New Delhi attack

By Christopher Wells

Police in India have reportedly arrested at least five people in southern Kashmir in connection with a car bombing in New Delhi on Monday, in which eight people were killed and several others were wounded.

The bombing is under investigation as a terrorist attack, possibly in connection with long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, a region in the northernmost part of the Indian sub-continent.

Additionally, security forces claim to have disrupted a “suspected terrorist cell” outside of New Delhi itself, arresting seven alleged militants and seizing numerous weapons as well as bomb-making materials.

On Tuesday, a suicide bombing in the Pakistan capital Islamabad left at least 12 people dead and dozens more injured. Although no direct connection between the attacks has been established, the bombings on successive days have heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

On Wednesday, the Vatican's Fides news agency reported that the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) has issued a statement expressing its "deep sorrow at the deaths of innocent people and for the injured," in the New Delhi attack and inviting the faithful "to keep vigil and pray."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are experiencing immense pain at this time. We also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," the statement reads. The bishops are urging citizens throughout the country to “remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police without delay,” emphasizing the need for national unity in the fight against terrorism. They are also asking parish priests to “inform the competent authorities about any suspicious activity or abandoned objects in or near church premises.”

“Let us remain united as one community; let us maintain peace and work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens. Let us continue to pray for peace and security in our beloved nation,” the Bishops' Conference concludes.