Pope Francis expressed Sunday his "sadness" after the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, declaring himself close to "all the victims of such cruel violence".
>> READ ALSO - Sri Lanka: a series of explosions kill at least 158 people, including 35 foreigners
"Mourning and pain in several churches and other meeting places in Sri Lanka". At least 158 people, including 35 foreigners, were killed Sunday in a series of explosions in luxury hotels and churches in Sri Lanka where Easter Mass was celebrated, police said. "I have learned with sadness the news of the serious attacks, which today, today, Easter, have brought mourning and pain in several churches and other meeting places in Sri Lanka," said Pope Francis in a message to the crowd, just after the traditional blessing Urbi et orbi (to the city of Rome and the rest of the world).
"I wish to express my loving closeness to the Christian community, touched as it was gathered and prayed, and to all the victims of such cruel violence, I entrust to the Lord those who have tragically disappeared and I pray for the wounded and all those who suffer because of this dramatic event, "added the pontiff.