Pope Francis on Tuesday denounced the terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium, as “blind violence.”
In a telegram after the attack to Jozef De Kesel, archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, the Vatican said Francis was praying for the victims and their families.
“Learning of the attacks in Brussels, which have affected many people, His Holiness Pope Francis entrusts to God’s mercy those who died and he prays for those who have lost relatives,” said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, in the telegram. “He expresses his deepest sympathy to the injured and their families, and all those who contribute to relief efforts, asking the Lord to bring them comfort and consolation in this ordeal.”
“The Holy Father again condemns the blind violence which causes so much suffering and imploring from God the gift of peace, he entrusts on the bereaved families and the Belgians the benefit of divine blessings,” Cardinal Parolin continued.
At least 34 have been reported killed and more than 200 injured in the attack, in which terrorists targeted the capital city’s airport and subway.
Two blasts went off in the departures section of the Brussels international airport, and an hour later a third blast hit a subway train that was travelling through a tunnel beneath the city near EU office buildings.
A terrorist group did not immediately claim responsibility for the bombings, but they come days after a suspect in the Islamic State massacre in Paris was arrested in Brussels.
• Bradford Richardson can be reached at brichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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