Holy See Condemns Museum Attack in Tunisia

Holy Father, Vatican’s Top Diplomat Decry Massacre as ‘Inconceivable,’ ‘Inhumane’

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The Holy See has sent a strong message condemning the museum terrorist attack in Tunisia.

Today, the Holy Father sent his condolences to those affected in the massacre via a telegram sent on his behalf by Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

“Upon learning of the serious terrorist attack yesterday in Tunisia which caused many to be killed and wounded, Pope Francis reiterates his condemnation of the acts against peace and sacredness of human life,» it stated.

The telegram, written in French, continued expressing that the Holy Father is praying for the grieving families of all those affected by this dramatic event, as well as to all the people of Tunisia.

It also conveyed the Holy Father’s belief that the Lord will welcome the deceased into His peace and comfort those seriously injured.

The message concluded, with Francis’ wish that the affected will receive consolation and God will send upon them His abundant blessings.

Response of Vatican’s top diplomat

In an interview with Vatican Radio, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the massacre was “cruel and inhuman, really [and] really inconceivable.”

The massacre, he stressed, is “to be condemned in the most absolute way.”

The cardinal also shared his hope that, in God’s name, no more violence is committed.

Wednesday, terrorists stormed the National Bardo Museum, a popular tourist attraction, took hostages and killed 23 people.  Most of the victims were tourists.

When authorities entered and freed the hostages, two gunmen were killed. Authorities are still searching for accomplices.

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Deborah Castellano Lubov

Deborah Castellano Lubov is Senior Vatican & Rome Correspondent for ZENIT; author of 'The Other Francis' ('L'Altro Francesco') featuring interviews with those closest to the Pope and preface by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin (currently published in 5 languages); Deborah is also NBC & MSNBC Vatican Analyst. She often covers the Pope's travels abroad, often from the Papal Flight (including for historic trips such as to Abu Dhabi and Japan & Thailand), and has also asked him questions on the return-flight press conference on behalf of the English-speaking press present. Lubov has done much TV & radio commentary, including for NBC, Sky, EWTN, BBC, Vatican Radio, AP, Reuters and more. She also has contributed to various books on the Pope and has written for various Catholic publications. For 'The Other Francis': http://www.gracewing.co.uk/page219.html or https://www.amazon.com/Other-Francis-Everything-They-about/dp/0852449348/

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