Pope Francis has expressed his deepest sympathy to those killed and their families and has reiterated his condemnation of violence.
In a telegram sent today to Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, Archbishop of Paris, the Pontiff expressed his condolences to the loved ones of those killed in yesterday’s terror attack in Paris and promised prayers.
Signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the telegram begins:”Having learned of the terrible attack in Paris at the headquarters of Charlie Hebdo, which claimed so many victims, His Holiness Pope Francis joins in prayer with the pain of the bereaved families and the sadness of all the French.”
It continues, saying the Holy Father entrusts the victims to God and praying that “He might welcome them into His light.”
Expressing his «deepest sympathy” to the injured and to their families, the Pope called upon the Lord to give them comfort and consolation.
“The Holy Father reiterates his condemnation of the violence, which generates so much suffering, and, imploring God to give the gift of peace,” it read, and concluded assuring affected families and all the French “the benefit of divine blessings.”
This morning at the Vatican, the Cardinal Vingt-Trois met with the Holy Father. The audience was scheduled before the attacks happened. The Holy See has not commented on the encounter.
In addition to the telegram, Francis condemned the attacks during his daily morning Mass at Casa Santa Marta.
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On ZENIT’s website:
For the text of the Telegram: http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-s-telegram-to-cardinal-vingt-trois-on-terrorist-attack-in-paris
