Pope Francis has sent his condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack on Friday, May 26, 2017 when assailants fired on passengers on a bus carrying Coptic pilgrims to a remote desert monastery, called St. Samuel the Confessor, around 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of the city of Minya. The so-called ‘Islamic State’ claimed responsibility for the attack, which claimed 29 lives, including children.
Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, sent the telegram on the Pope’s behalf.
Below is the Vatican-provided text of the Pope’s message:
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His Excellency Abdel Fattah Al Sisi
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Cairo
Deeply saddened to learn of the barbaric attack in central Egypt and of the tragic loss of life and injury caused by this senseless act of hatred, Pope Francis expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this violent outrage. Mindful in a particular way of those children who have lost their lives, His Holiness commends the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty. He assures their grieving families and all who have been injured of his ardent prayers, and he pledges his continued intercession for peace and reconciliation throughout the nation.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
[Original text: English]
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Cairo
Deeply saddened to learn of the barbaric attack in central Egypt and of the tragic loss of life and injury caused by this senseless act of hatred, Pope Francis expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this violent outrage. Mindful in a particular way of those children who have lost their lives, His Holiness commends the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty. He assures their grieving families and all who have been injured of his ardent prayers, and he pledges his continued intercession for peace and reconciliation throughout the nation.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
[Original text: English]
