Pope Francis mourns victims of “abhorrent” attack in Kabul

“His Holiness commends the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty”

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis today sent a telegram to Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Italy, following this morning’s “abhorrent” terrorist attack in Kabul, which has left 80 dead and over 300 injured, with the death toll expected to rise.

“Having learned with sadness of the abhorrent attack in Kabul and of the many dead and seriously injured, Pope Francis expresses his heartfelt condolences to all affected by this brutal act of violence,” Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, wrote on the pope’s behalf.

At 8:22 a.m. (local time), as people were traveling to work at foreign embassies and military headquarters, a huge explosion ripped through the diplomatic quarter of the Afghan capital city.

The bomb, concealed in a water delivery truck, was detonated outside the offices of a major local cellphone company and a popular TV station. The explosion occurred 400 yards from the German Embassy in one of the busiest parts of town, near large supermarkets and shops.

Civilian casualties, including women and children, are therefore expected to be very high.

“His Holiness commends the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty, and assures the people of Afghanistan of his continued prayers for peace,” the telegram read.