Pope sends telegram of condolence following terror attacks in Egypt
Pope Francis expressed his “profound” grief November 24, 2017, at the “great loss of life” caused by the terrorist attackers on the Rawda mosque in North Sinai on November 24.
Militants detonated a bomb inside a crowded mosque in the Sinai Peninsula, and then sprayed gunfire on panicked worshipers as they fled, killing at least 305 people and wounding at least 128 others. Officials called it the deadliest terrorist attack in Egypt’s modern history.
The scale and ruthlessness of the assault, in an area racked by an Islamist insurgency, sent shock waves across the nation - not just for the number of deaths but also for the choice of target.
The Holy Father’s sentiments were expressed in a telegram sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
The Telegram
His Holiness Pope Francis was profoundly grieved to learn of the great loss of life caused by the terrorist attacks on the Rawda mosque in North Sinai. In expressing his solidarity with the Egyptian people at this hour of national mourning, he commends the victims to the mercy of the Most High God and invokes divine blessings of consolation and peace upon their families. In renewing his firm condemnation of this wanton act of brutality directed at innocent civilians gathered in prayer, His Holiness joins all people of good will in imploring that hearts hardened by hatred will learn to renounce the way of violence that leads to such great suffering and embrace the way of peace.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin Secretary of State © Libreria Editrice Vatican
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