Pope sends telegram of condolence in wake of Dhaka attack
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has expressed his condolences to victims of an attack by suspected Islamic militants in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka.
In a telegram addressed to the ecclesiastical and civil authorities, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said Pope Francis “expresses heartfelt condolences and condemns such barbarous acts as offences against God and humanity.”
Here is the full text of the telegram:
“Deeply saddened by the senseless violence perpetrated against innocent victims in Dhaka, His Holiness Pope Francis expresses heartfelt condolences and condemns such barbarous acts as offences against God and humanity. In commending the dead to God’s mercy, His Holiness gives the assurance of his prayers for the grieving families and the wounded.”
Islamist militants killed 20 people, most of them foreigners, inside a restaurant in Bangladesh's capital, before security forces stormed the building and ended a 12-hour standoff on Saturday.
Islamic State said it was responsible for one of the most brazen attacks in the South Asian nation's history, but that claim has yet to be confirmed.
Pope Francis prays for victims, families of Dhaka and Baghdad attacks
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis prayed for the victims of the terror attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh that occured in the night between Friday and Saturday, and for the victims of terror attacks in Baghdad that took place late in the day on Saturday.
The Dhaka attack on a popular restaurant in the diplomatic district of the capital claimed at least 20 lives – many of them foreigners – while the attack in Baghdad’s central – and very commercial – Karrada district claimed at least 83 lives, while a second attack on a predominantly Shia neighborhood of the capital around midnight killed five more people.
“I offer my closeness to the families of all the people killed and wounded in the attack that took place [early Saturday morning] in Dhaka, and in that, which took place [Saturday] in Baghdad,” said Pope Francis. “Let us pray together,” the Holy Father continued, “let us pray together for them – for all the dead – and let us ask the Lord to convert the hearts of all those blinded by hatred.”
Pope Francis was addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer. Immediately following his remarks, he led everyone present in reciting the Hail Mary.
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