Pope Francis Issues “Strongest Condemnation” of Paris Terrorist Attack

While in prayer he shares in the suffering of the victims and their families

Pope Francis this evening issued the "strongest condemnation" of the attack carried out this morning in Paris by highly trained terrorist commandos.

Here below we publish the full text of the statment delivered by Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ, Director of the Holy See Press Office.

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The Holy Father expresses the strongest condemnation of the horrific attack that struck the city of Paris this morning, claiming a high number of victims, sowing death, throwing the entire French society into disarray, and deeply disturbing all peace loving people well beyond the borders of France.

In prayer, Pope Francis shares in the suffering of the wounded and the families of the deceased, and he calls upon everyone to oppose by all means possible the spread of hatred and of every form of violence, both physical and moral, which destroys human life, violates the dignity of persons, radically undermines the fundamental good of peaceful coexistence between individuals and peoples, despite differences of nationality, religion and culture.

Whatever the motives may be, homicidal violence is abhorrent. It is never justifiable. The life and dignity of all must be resolutely guaranteed and protected. Any incitement to hatred must be rejected, respect for the other must be cultivated.

The Pope expresses his closeness, his spiritual solidarity and support for all those who, according to their different responsibilities, steadfastly continue to work for peace, justice and rights, to heal in depth the sources and the causes of hatred, at this painful and tragic moment, in France and in every part of the world marked by tensions and violence.

Translation by Diane Montagna of Aleteia’s English edition.