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Thousands of people were today taking part in silent vigils across Northern Ireland to express their revulsion at the murders of a policeman and two soldiers.

Anger at the killings by dissident republicans have united people from across Northern Ireland's traditional divides, Catholic and Protestant, and republican and unionist.

The Pope also denounced the attacks by dissident republicans. "I condemn in the strongest terms these abominable acts of terrorism which, apart from desecrating human life, seriously endanger the ongoing peace process in Northern Ireland, and risk destroying the great hopes generated by this process in the region and throughout the world," said Benedict XVI during an address to pilgrims in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City today.

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Martin McGuinness sounds exactly like a Northern Ireland Secretary at the height of the Troubles

Edward Gorman

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Times Archive, 1979: Five soldiers killed in IRA offensive

Army speculation of a campaign lasting another ten years was confirmed by the IRA. There would never be a truce, it said

• IRA murders three soldiers in ambush, 1982

• Two soldiers killed by IRA sniper, 1977

• Policemen die in ambush, 1975

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Many of those who massed in the less exotic surroundings of Belfast City Hall, spilling across the street, were young people who had never known the Troubles.

"This is my first experience of murder and violence. I just thought it was history," admitted a teenage boy. "It is quite a shock, so sad."

Others had lived through the days of violence before, and devoutly wished that they were not about to return.

"I came down simply to support the peace process," said an elderly man. "I have grandchildren and I would like to think that they could live through the rest of their lives in a peaceful country. They really don't understand what went on, and I would like to think they never will understand."

"I've come to show my support. I don't agree with it at all. I'm very, very sorry about the two soldiers, lovely boys, God help their mothers, and the policeman," said one middle-aged lady.

A retired RUC officer appeared emotional as he said that the shooting of Pc Stephen Carroll in Co Armagh on Monday night had shown that Northern Ireland's final battle, for the possession of hearts and minds, was not yet quite won. "I didn't know him but he was certainly on the force at the same time as I was, and it brings it home to you. The more people who turn out today the better, the more they see on television perhaps it might reach the dissidents and show them that they are in the vast minority."

Hundreds more turned out in Londonderry and Newry, Lisburn and Downpatrick. A Peace Book was opened in Derry Guildhall by the Mayor, Gerard Diver, for people to register their revulsion.

A spokesman for the Irish Conference of Trade Unions, which organised many of the events, said that the intention was to face down those behind the killings with a massive display of public unity.

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