The Vatican has condemned terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of at least 120 people in Paris last night.
In a statement, the Holy See Press Office said: “Here in the Vatican we are following the terrible news from Paris. We are shocked by this new manifestation of maddening, terrorist violence and hatred which we condemn in the most radical way together with the Pope and all those who love peace. We pray for the victims and the wounded, and for all the French people.
“This is an attack on peace for all humanity, and it requires a decisive, supportive response on the part of all of us as we counter the spread the homicidal hatred in all of its forms.”
In a telephone interview with the Italian channel TV2000, Pope Francis said he was shaken by the “inhuman” attacks.
“I am close to the people of France, to the families of the victims, and I am praying for all of them,” he said, according to Vatican Radio. “I am moved and I am saddened. I do not understand, these things hard to understand.”
He added: “There is no religious or human justification for it.”
Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, the Archbishop of Paris, has announced that he will celebrate Mass in Notre Dame Cathedral on Sunday evening for the victims, their families and the whole of France.
The bells of Notre Dame will ring out 15 minutes before the Mass begins.
In his message following the attacks, translated by Vatican Radio, Cardinal Vingt-Trois said: “Our city of Paris, our country, was hit last night with particular savagery and intensity.
“After the attacks of last January, after the attack in Beirut this week and many others in these past months, including in Nigeria and other African countries, our country knows anew the pain of grief and must face the barbarism spread by fanatical groups.
“This morning I pray, and invite Catholics of Paris to pray, for those who were killed yesterday and for their families, for the injured and their loved ones and for those who are hard at work assisting them, for the police forces who face formidable challenges, and for our leaders and country, so that together we will remain in unity and peace of heart.
“I ask the parishes of Paris to comply strictly with the measures issued by public authorities. I ask them to make today and tomorrow days of mourning and prayer.
“Sunday evening at 18.30 I will preside at Mass at Notre-Dame de Paris for the victims and their families and for our country; the bell of the cathedral will toll at 18.15. Catholic Television (KTO) will broadcast this Mass, allowing all who wish to join us.
“Faced with the violence of men, may we receive the grace of a firm heart, without hatred. May the moderation, temperance and control that has been shown so far, be confirmed in the weeks and months to come; let no one indulge in panic or hatred. We ask that grace be the artisan of peace. We need never despair of peace if we build on justice.”
Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow has written a letter to Cardinal Vingt-Trois, assuring him of his prayers.
Archbishop Tartaglia wrote: “I wish to express my sadness at the horrific events which unfolded in Paris last night, where many people lost their lives in acts of murder and terror.
“I want to assure you that the people of Paris and of all France are in our thoughts and prayers here in Glasgow and throughout Scotland.
We join with you in prayer, commending to God’s love and mercy all those who were killed, injured, and bereaved, and all whose lives have been affected by these tragic events.”
In a statement, Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster said: “This morning I wish to express my horror at the events that took place in Paris last night. This random killing of innocent people is utterly despicable and a course of action which must be rejected unequivocally by all.
“Today I offer my prayers, with those of the entire Catholic Community in England and Wales, for those who have been shot dead as they enjoyed moments of relaxation and entertainment. I pray for the bereaved, for those who have been traumatised. I pray for the City of Paris that it will courageously recover its poise as one of the great cities of the world. I pray for the police and security forces who will continue their frontline fight against this evil madness.
“I pray, too, for the Muslim communities in France, and here in England, that they may not be victimised because of the actions of these violent and ruthless extremists but strive always for the way of peace and cooperation with the wider society.
“May God bless France. May God give us the courage and wisdom to resist this violent and inhuman extremism. May God guide us all into the ways of peace.”
Cardinal Nichols has also sent a message to Cardinal Vingt-Trois.
He wrote: “On this sad morning I send to you my heartfelt condolences for all who died last night at the hands of terrorists in your city of Paris. I assure you of my prayers at the moment of profound disturbance, fear and disbelief.
“These killings are condemned by all right minded people as a crime against all that true religions hold to be true. I know that you will lead the Catholic community with wisdom and love and give that example to all who attend to your voice.
“I am sending my greetings to the large French community here in London assuring them of my prayers and those of all our Catholic community in England and Wales.
“May God bless France and all her people.”
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland, said: “Once more we are all shocked and deeply saddened to hear about terror on the streets of Paris. The sounds and images of these attacks make for frightening viewing.
“Like myself, many Irish people have relatives or close friends living in Paris and have happy memories of visiting this beautiful city. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Paris today and we express our solidarity with the French community living here in Ireland.
“I ask everyone to remember, at Mass and in prayer this weekend, all those who have died and their families. We also pray for those injured and all who are caring for them.
“These horrific events challenge us to pray and work even more earnestly for an end to the evil of terrorism everywhere. Each of us by our own thoughts, words and actions is called to spread mercy, love and peace so that the horrors of evil shall never conquer the world.
“May St Denis and St Genevieve, patron saints of Paris, intercede for us.”
In a telegram sent to Cardinal Vingt-Trois on behalf of Pope Francis, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said: “Informed of the horrific terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris and at the Stade de France, killing a great number of people and wounding many others, His Holiness Pope Francis joins in prayer with the suffering of families affected by the drama and the pain of the French people.
“He invokes God, Father of mercy, asking that He welcome the victims into the peace of His light and bring comfort and hope to the injured and their families. He assures them, and all of the personnel participating in aid efforts, of his spiritual closeness.
“Once again, the Holy Father vigorously condemns violence, which cannot solve anything, and he asks God to inspire thoughts of peace and solidarity in all and to impart on families in this trial and on all of the French people, the abundance of His Blessings.”
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