Pope mourns victims of terrorist attack in Istanbul

March 21, 2016

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, sent a message of condolence in the Holy Father’s name following a suicide bombing in Istanbul.

The Islamic State is suspected in the attack.

“His Holiness Pope Francis grieves to learn of the casualties caused by the bombing in Istanbul yesterday morning, and he expresses his prayerful solidarity with all touched by this tragedy. His Holiness asks you to convey his spiritual closeness to them, as well as to the personnel assisting the injured,” Cardinal Parolin wrote on March 20.

“Commending the souls of those who have died to the mercy of the Almighty, Pope Francis invokes divine strength and peace upon those who mourn, and upon the entire nation,” he added.

 

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Further information:

• Il cordoglio del Santo Padre per le vittime dell’attentato a Istanbul (Turchia), 20.03.2016 (Holy See Press Office)
• Turkey blames Islamic State for Istanbul bombing (BBC)
• March 2016 Istanbul bombing (Wikipedia)