In response to the Israeli attack on the Freedom Flotilla, the Vatican says the assault has provoked deep sadness in the Catholic capital.Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said on Monday that Pope Benedict XVI has voiced "deep sadness and concern" over the Israeli attack on the Gaza-bound aid Flotilla.
The assault took place in the international waters early on Monday, in which 20 Palestinian activists were killed and 50 more were wounded.
"It is an extremely painful incident, especially because of the senseless loss of life," Lombardi told reporters at the Vatican earlier.
"The Vatican is following the situation with great attention and concern," he added,
Lombardi said the Holy See, who will be in Cyprus from June 4 to June 6, "will certainly press his message of peace once again" during his stay on the island.
The Freedom Flotilla was carrying thousands of tons of humanitarian aid to break the Israeli-imposed three-year-long blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has deprived about 1.5 million Palestinians of food, medicine, fuel and other necessary supplies.
About 700 politicians, activists and journalists were aboard the ships, which were escorted to the port of Ashdod by Israeli forces.
SIC: PTV