The Vatican said Thursday that Pope
Francis is praying for the victims of the terrorist attack in
Nice's Basilica of Notre Dame in which three people were stabbed
to death.
"It is a moment of pain in a time of confusion," said Vatican
Spokesman Matteo Bruni.
"Terrorism and violence can never be accepted.
"Today's attack sowed death in a place of love and consolation,
the house of the Lord.
"The pope has been informed of the situation and is close to the
Catholic community in mourning.
"He is praying for the victims and for the loved ones, and for
violence to stop and we go back to looking at each other as
brothers and sister, and for the beloved French people to be
able react united to evil with good".
A telegram from Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to
Nice Bishop Msgr André Marceau said "informed of the ferocious
attack perpetrated this morning in a Nice church, causing the
death of several innocent people", Francis "joins the suffering
of the families affected in prayer and shares their pain".
The pontiff "asks the Lord to bring them comfort and entrusts
the victims to his mercy.
"Condemning such violent acts of terror in the strongest way
possible," the message continues, "(Francis) assures his
closeness to France's Catholic Community and to all the French
people that is called to unity.
"Entrusting France to the protection of Notre-Dame," the message
concludes, "(the pope) gives with all his heart the Apostolic
Blessing to all those who have been struck by this tragedy".
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