Flowers outside the gendarmerie of Carcassonne pay tribute to slain Lieutenant-colonel Arnaud Beltrame

POPE

Pope condemns terrorist attack in France and expresses closeness to victims

Pope Francis has sent a telegramme of condolences to the Bishop of Carcassone in south-west France where four people were killed in a terrorist attack on 23 March.

In a message addressed to Bishop Alain Planet of Carcassone and Narbonne, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to all those affected by a terrorist attack that left four people dead and 15 injured on 23 March.

The Pope said he entrusts to God’s mercy all those who have lost their lives and assured their loved ones of his closeness.

In particular, he recalled Arnaud Beltrame’s “generous and heroic” gesture who gave his life to protect the lives of others.

“I renew my condemnation for such acts of violence that cause so much pain and fervently ask the Lord for the gift of peace” he said “invoking on the affected families and on all the people of France God’s blessings”.

The attacker was shot dead by police after killing and injuring a number of people in separate incidents, including taking hostages at a supermarket in the town of Trèbes.

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