At least four bomb attacks were
made Friday on churches in Chilean capital Santiago in protests
against Pope Francis's visit to the South American country
January 15-18, local media reported, citing police sources.
In three of the attacks the churches suffered damage, to
their doors and facades in particular, while the fourth attack
was thwarted by police, the media said.
In one of the firebomb attacks, on the church of Santa Isabel
de Hungría near the central station, the attackers left a note
saying "freedom for all political prisoners, Wallmapu (Mapuche
territory) free, autonomy and resistance.
"Pope Francis, the next bombs will (explode) under your
robes".
At Recoleta, another attack struck the Emanuel Chapel, where
a bomb broke a door and some windows.
Chilean Interior Minister Mahmud Aleuy arrived on the scene
and condemned violence in a country where he said there was
freedom of expression.
At Penalolen, at the Cristo Vencedor Chapel, a bomb did not
cause major damage.
Finally, at the Cristo Pobre shrine, police said they had
"neutralised" a rubbish bin apparently full of fuel.
The government said it would sue all the authors of the
attacks.
Francis is expected to face protests in Chile, especially
against the appointment of a bishop who allegedly shielded the
country's most notorious clerical sexual predator.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
