VATICAN CITY: The Vatican said on Thursday the assassination of former Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was 'terrible and tragic', ANSA reported.   

"This attack shows how extremely difficult it is to pacify a nation so wrought by violence," Vatican spokesman Father Frederico Lombardi said, adding that the killing made 'peace more distant'.   

"We share the sadness of the Pakistani population," Lombardi said.   

He added that Pope Benedict XVI had been immediately informed.