Pope Francis has said he is“deeply saddened” to learn of the “loss of life and injury” caused by a recent terrorist attack in the US city of New Orleans.
On January 1, 15 people were killed, and dozens wounded, when a 42-year-old man drove a pickup truck at high speed into a crowd.
In his telegram, sent to Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, the Pope assured the entire city of his “spiritual closeness,” and commended the victims to “the loving mercy of Almighty God.”
The message, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, added that the Pope is praying for those affected, and that, “as a pledge of peace and strength in the Lord, the Holy Father sends his blessing”.
In his own statement, Archbishop Aymond said he was praying for the victims of the attack, which he called “a sign of utter disrespect for human life”. He also thanked law enforcement and medical personnel for their heroism “in the face of such evil.”
