Vatican Press Office Director, Greg Burke, said August 17, 2017 that: «The Holy Father has been deeply concerned about what is happening in Barcelona. The Pope prays for the victims of this attack and wishes to express his closeness to the whole Spanish people, Particularly to the wounded and the families of the victims.
Burke’s statement on behalf of the Holy Father came after a van crashed into a crowd in Las Ramblas, the popular social and tourist area of Barcelona, earlier in the day. Latest news report say at least 13 are dead and 100 injured in what is believed to be a terrorist attack. Several news agencies report that Islamic State is claiming responsibility.
