ROME/MANILA (CNS/CPCPNews): The archbishop of Manila, Jose Cardinal Advincula requested for prayers for Pope Francis’ safety after Italian authorities in Milan intercepted an envelope containing bullets addressed to the pontiff, CBCPNews reported.
“Let us pray that God may touch the hearts of people who sow fear, violence, lies, and violate human rights,” Cardinal Advincula said on Radio Veritas on August 11.
Police in Milan have launched an investigation after postal workers discovered an envelope containing three bullets and addressed to “the pope” according to CNS.
News reports said the stamp on the envelope indicated it came from France, and the bullets were 9mm Flobert-round bullets. Reportedly, there was a message inside making reference to the Vatican’s financial operations.
Written on the envelope in pen and with poor handwriting were: “The pope. Vatican City. St. Peter’s Square in Rome.”
The envelope was flagged by employees at a mail sorting facility near Milan in the early hours of August 9 and was handed over to Italy’s military police as authorities coordinated their investigation.
According to Wikipedia, 9mm Flobert shotguns are most often used for pest control and face little to no restriction in Europe, even in countries with strict gun laws, due to their limited power and short range.
