VATICAN CITY JANUARY 9, 2015(CISA) – Pope Francis has expressed his condolences to the loved ones of those killed in terror attack in Paris and promised prayers.
“Having learned of the terrible attack in Paris at the headquarters of Charlie Hebdo, which claimed so many victims, His Holiness Pope Francis joins in prayer with the pain of the bereaved families and the sadness of all the French,” read a telegram sent to Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, Archbishop of Paris on Thursday January 8, reported Zenit.
In the telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin the Pontiff entrusts the victims to God and praying that “He might welcome them into His light.”
While expressing his “deepest sympathy” to the injured and to their families, the Pope called upon the Lord to give them comfort and consolation and he condemned Violence.
“The Holy Father reiterates his condemnation of the violence, which generates so much suffering, and, imploring God to give the gift of peace,” read his message.
Elsewhere, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue published a joint declaration with four French imams, denouncing Wednesday’s attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo – a Paris magazine and reiterating that the world is in danger if freedom of speech is not protected.
“In these circumstances, it should be noted that, without freedom of speech, the world is in danger,” the declaration read in part.
“It is imperative to oppose hate and every form of violence that destroys human life, violates the dignity of the person and radically undermines the foundation of peaceful co-existence between persons and peoples, notwithstanding differences of nationality, religion and culture.”
The Catholic and Muslim religious leaders called on other religious leaders to promote a “culture of peace and hope.”
