VATICAN CITY —  Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday deplored the attacks in the Egyptian Red Sea (search) resort of Sharm el-Sheik, calling them "senseless acts" as he appealed to terrorists to renounce violence.

In a telegram sent to religious and political leaders in Egypt, the pontiff said he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the deadly blasts and sent "his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims."

"In condemning such senseless acts, His Holiness appeals to all to renounce the way of violence which causes so much suffering to civilian populations, and instead to embrace the way of peace," said the telegram, signed by the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano (search).

The pontiff sent his condolences while on vacation in the Italian Alps.