Pope Francis condemned the terrorist attacks in Paris, forcefully condemned the terrorist attacks saying in a telephone call to TV2000, the television station of the Italian Episcopal Conference: “There is no justification for such things, neither religious nor human. This is not human. It is difficult to understand such things, done by human beings.” He said he was praying for the families of the victims, for France “and for all those who suffer.”
The Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, issued a statement of comfort addressed to Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, the archbishop of Paris.
“Once again, the Holy Father vigorously condemns violence, which cannot solve anything,” Cardinal Parolin said, “and he asks God to inspire thoughts of peace and solidarity in all and to impart on families in this trial and on all of the French people, the abundance of his blessings.”
The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said the Paris attacks would not deter the church from going ahead with events for the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which begins on Dec. 8.
“If we permit ourselves to be frightened, they have already reached their first objective,” he said.
Of course, he added, “we must be prudent and not irresponsible, taking all reasonable precautions, he said.
He added: “I’d say that the Jubilee of Mercy is all the more necessary. A message of mercy, that is the love of God that has as a consequence reciprocal love and reconciliation.
Even today, when Pope Francis speaks of a piecemeal third world war, the message of mercy is necessary to make us able to reconcile and build bridges.
This is not the time to renounce having the Jubilee or to be afraid. We need it more than ever.
We must live it wisely, but also with courage, and with spiritual enthusiasm, looking ahead with hope, despite the attacks of hate. Pope Francis guides us and invites us to have faith in the Spirit of the Lord that accompanies us.”
