“It is with sadness and concern that His Holiness Pope Francis learned of the attack that took place last night at the Christmas market in Strasbourg. Pope Francis again expresses his firm condemnation of such acts.”
Pope Francis underscored this in his condolences to the loved ones and victims of those affected by the tragic shooting at a Christmas Market in the French city of Strasbourg, home to European Parliament.
In the message sent Dec. 12, 2018, on the Pope’s behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope assures those suffering of his prayers, thanks those responding to the tragedy and commends the souls of those who died to the merciful love of almighty God.
A gunman, during the city’s well-known Christmas Market, a popular destination and attraction for families, started shooting, claiming 2 lives and according to recent reports, leaving another brain dead.
Below is the Vatican-provided text of the Holy Father’s telegram:
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To His Excellency
Archbishop Luc RAVEL, CRSV
Archbishop of Strasbourg – STRASBOURG
It is with sadness and concern that His Holiness Pope Francis learned of the attack that took place last night at the Christmas market in Strasbourg, which caused several casualties. Pope Francis again expresses his firm condemnation of such acts. He shows his compassion especially to the affected families and to all those affected by this attack, assuring them of his prayers. While entrusting the deceased to God’s mercy, the Holy Father has a special thought for the professionals and the volunteers who take care of the wounded. As a pledge of consolation, he implores an abundance of divine blessings on the victims, on those who assist them and on all the French people.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
Archbishop Luc RAVEL, CRSV
Archbishop of Strasbourg – STRASBOURG
It is with sadness and concern that His Holiness Pope Francis learned of the attack that took place last night at the Christmas market in Strasbourg, which caused several casualties. Pope Francis again expresses his firm condemnation of such acts. He shows his compassion especially to the affected families and to all those affected by this attack, assuring them of his prayers. While entrusting the deceased to God’s mercy, the Holy Father has a special thought for the professionals and the volunteers who take care of the wounded. As a pledge of consolation, he implores an abundance of divine blessings on the victims, on those who assist them and on all the French people.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
[Original text: English]
© Libreria Editrice Vaticana
