French bishop reacts to antiterrorism raid

November 19, 2015

French police, searching for the suspected ringleader of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris,  conducted a raid in the suburb of Saint-Denis.

“I think of the people and especially of the families and children who have experienced hours of anguish,” Bishop Pascal Delannoy of Saint-Denis stated as the raid came to a close. “We know how frightening it is to hear close to home the sound of gunfire and explosions while having very little information about ongoing operations. I hope that in the days to come everyone will find the strength to express what he lived and felt in order to find more serenity.”

Bishop Delannoy said that he also thought of the security forces-- “their courage did not spare many of them from being wounded”-- and expressed hope that the local population, “in its great cultural and religious diversity, would live in peace and brotherhood.”  

“Clearly and firmly denouncing those who, by their words and deeds, sow division, violence, and death,” the prelate also issued an invitation to a time of contemplation and prayer at the historic Basilica of St. Denis.

 

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Further information:

• Plus que jamais servons la fraternité et la paix! (Diocèse de Saint-Denis)
• 2 killed, 8 held after France raid, but suspected ringleader's status unknown (CNN)
• November 2015 Paris attacks (Wikipedia)