Pope Francis has sent a telegram of condolences to the Archbishop of Tokyo today, after a man attacked residents of a home for the disabled, killing 19 people.
According to the Guardian, a 26-year-old former employee of the facility turned himself in after the attack in the early hours of this morning (local time), reportedly saying, «It is better that disabled people disappear.»
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin sent a telegram on behalf of the Holy Father to Archbishop Peter Takeo Okada of Tokyo.
The centre, around 50 kilometres from Tokyo, was home to 149 residents, of whom 25 were injured, for the most part seriously.
“Saddened by the loss of life following the attack at the Tsukui Yamayurien facility for the disabled, His Holiness Pope Francis assures all affected by this tragedy of his closeness, and he sends his condolences to the relatives of the deceased and injured. Praying for healing during this difficult time, Pope Francis invokes upon the Japanese nation the divine blessings of reconciliation and peace.»
The attacker was apparently hospitalized earlier this year after promoting a plan for killing the disabled. He requested government to promote euthanasia for the disabled.
