Eds: APNewsNow CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP) Pope Benedict XVI has said he was "deeply pained" by a deadly attack on Italian soldiers in Afghanistan and was praying for civilians and international troops in the country.

During his traditional Sunday prayer, Benedict said he was close to families of the victims of Thursday's roadside bombing in Kabul, which killed 10 Afghans and six Italian soldiers.

The pope addressed faithful gathered at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome.

Benedict said his thought were with Afghan civilians and other troop contingents that suffered losses and "operate to promote peace and the development of institutions." The bodies of the Italian soldiers were brought home on Sunday.

A state funeral will be held on Monday.

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