Vatican protests against bombing of Iraq

The Vatican has expressed its disapproval of the bombing of Iraq last week by U.S. and British warplanes. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, also condemned the sanctions on Iraq. Speaking at a press conference at a reception in the Italian Embassy on Monday, he said:"We pronounce ourselves again against the embargo." He told Vatican Radio: "The Holy See is not the only one (to object to the sanctions). Many governments, including the Italian government, at times have expressed concern over the humanitarian situation of these young people, patients, deprived of assistance, and have always appealed for change. We hope that wisdom will prevail." "It is believed that the method of force will resolve problems; the Holy See thinks otherwise," the cardinal said. Three people were killed and 30 were wounded last Friday when US and British planes bombed targets near Baghdad, to enforce a military 'no fly' zone.