Pope Francis has prayed for the end of “terror and death” of innocents as he expressed closeness to families and all of France mourning the loss of lives, “even of many children”, in the Nice lorry attack.
Francis told the public in St Peter’s Square on Sunday that “sorrow is great in our hearts” for the massacre in the southern French city last week, and prayed that God sustain the wounded and comfort relatives.
He prayed that God “disperse every plan for terror and for death, so that no man dare spill more blood of his brother.”
Francis then offered “a paternal and fraternal embrace for all of Nice’s inhabitants and all of France,” and invited those in the square to join him in silent prayer for the 84 Nice victims and their families.
According to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis phoned the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, via Paolo Celi, the head of Amitié France-Italie, a national association for Italians living in France.
Celi told Vatican Radio that the Pope asked: “What can I do for you?”, and the Pontiff also said he would meet with the families of the victims, although Celi said a date for this meeting was not specified.
Etrosi said the Pope’s call has been of comfort to thousands of people in Nice. “The image of all the flowers, the letters, the toys that have been put on the promenade to pay tribute to the victims is an image that no one will be able to forget, but the Pope’s words and the comfort he brings alleviates this terrible memory and gives strength and hope to all,” the mayor said.
Archbishop André Marceau of Nice said he hoped compassion and closeness would overcome the “scandal of evil”.
US Congress passes law to protect pro-life medical staff
The US Congress last week passed the Conscience Protection Act to provide legal protection for doctors, nurses, hospitals and all health care providers who choose not to provide abortions as part of their health care.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Archbishop William E Lori of Baltimore said: “We’re grateful to House Speaker Paul Ryan for bringing the Conscience Protection Act to a vote, to all the co-sponsors for their leadership, and to those members of both parties who support the civil right of conscience.
“Even those who disagree on the life issue should be able to respect the conscience rights of those who wish not to be involved in supporting abortion,” they said.
The measure, also known as HR 4828, also provides “much-needed protection for religious employers”, they said. “In light of disturbing recent developments, even churches and religious organisations are being required to cover abortions in violation of their beliefs.” The US Church says the measure closes loopholes that they say are allowing states to demand abortions be performed or covered by Catholic providers.
Vatican van brings aid to poor
A Vatican camper van is bringing medical care to Rome’s shanty towns. The mobile medical unit was donated by the papal almoner’s office to a volunteer association of doctors and other health care professionals who tour Rome’s peripheries, offering health care to those in need. Dr Lucia Ercoli, director of the Istituto di Medicina Solidale, said the van showed the Pope’s closeness to those who felt forgotten.
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