CALCUTTA, India - The head of a religious order founded by Mother Teresa urged President George W. Bush on Tuesday to exercise restraint and not unleash more violence to avenge last week's attacks on the United States.
"We pray to God that President Bush knows what he is doing ... Violence only causes destruction," Sister Nirmala, who became head of the Missionaries of Charity after Mother Teresa's death in 1997, told Reuters on Tuesday.
Sister Nirmala, who led Missionaries of Charity nuns in a prayer for those who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, however, added that "terrorism should be contained."
Her comments came after Bush said on Monday he wanted Islamic militant Osama bin Laden, who the U.S. suspects of masterminding the attacks, "dead or alive." He also warned that Afghanistan's ruling Taliban would be held accountable for giving him safe haven.
The Taliban and bin Laden have denied involvement in the attacks. The Taliban movement has said it will launch a jihad or holy war against the United States if it attacks Afghanistan.
Sister Nirmala's views echoed those of Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who said on Monday only non-violence could combat international terrorism.
Pope John Paul also appealed to the world on Sunday not to allow the attacks on New York and Washington to lead to more violence.
04:13 09-18-01
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