(ANS - Vatican City) – After the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis expressed deep condolences for the terrorist attacks in Paris and emphasized strongly "that the path of violence and hatred does not solve the problems of humanity, and using the name of God to justify it is blasphemy!"

After the Angelus yesterday, 15 November, speaking about the terrorist attacks in Paris, Pope Francis said: "Such barbarism leaves us shocked and we wonder how the human heart can conceive and create such horrible events, which have shocked not only France but the whole world." The Holy Father offered his deepest condolences to the French President, François Hollande, and all the citizens of France, saying that he was close "in particular to the families of those who have died and to the injured"

Pope Francis firmly reiterated: "In the face of such intolerable acts, one cannot but condemn this disgraceful affront to the dignity of the human person (...) the path of violence and hatred does not solve the problems of humanity" and "using the name of God to justify it is blasphemy!"

He then invited all to pray and to entrust "the helpless victims of this tragedy to the mercy of God." And, before asking the thousands of faithful to observe a few seconds of silence and to pray the Hail Mary, he said: "May the Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, inspire in the hearts of all people thoughts of wisdom and a resolution to work for peace. We ask her to protect and watch over the beloved French nation, the eldest daughter of the Church, and also Europe and the whole world. "

Published 16/11/2015