In his message of condolence, Pope Francis expressed his concern to the bishops and faithful of the Diocese of Ondo, Nigeria. A Catholic church in the diocese was attacked on Pentecost, killing around 50 faithful.
(Vatican News Network)Pope Francis sends a message of condolence for the attack on the Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier in Owo, Ondo state, Nigeria. The message of condolence, signed by Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, was sent to Bishop Jude Arogundade of the diocese of Ondo. In his message of condolence, the Pope pledged his spiritual solidarity with all those “suffered by this unspeakable violence”.
On Pentecost, many Catholics gathered at the church of San Francis Xavier in Ovo, when unidentified gunmen opened fire on them and used explosives in the attack. The death toll is reported to be around 50 and the number is expected to increase. Both the Catholic Church and senior civil affairs officials have condemned the deadly attack, and the Nigerian government has vowed to bring the killers to justice.
In his message of condolence, Pope Francis entrusted the souls of the deceased to God’s mercy, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery and the mourners comfort. The Pope also prayed for “those who have been blinded by hatred and violence” to change their minds and to “choose the path of peace and integrity” in the future. The Pope finally asked God to extend the grace of comfort and strength to the bishops of Ondo and the faithful to “continue to live faithfully and courageously the message of the Gospel”.
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