Statement by the Director of the Press Office

Tonight [January 7, 2015], the director of the Press, Fr Federico Lombardi, issued the following statement to reporters:

The Holy Father expresses the strongest condemnation for the horrific attack that marred the city of Paris with a high number of victims [Wednesday] morning, sowing death, throwing into dismay the whole of French society, [and] deeply disturbing all peace-loving people, far beyond the borders of France.

Pope Francis participates in prayer for the sufferings of the wounded and the for families of the dead. He calls upon all to oppose by all means the spread of hatred and of all forms of violence, physical and moral, which destroy human life, which violate the dignity of people, which radically undermines the fundamental good of peaceful coexistence between individuals and peoples regardless of their differences of nationality, religion and culture.

Whatever may be the motivation, homicidal violence is abominable. It is never justifiable. The life and dignity of all are to be guaranteed and protected with decision. Every incitement to hatred should be refuted. Respect must be cultivated.

The Pope expresses his closeness, his spiritual solidarity and support for all those who, according to their different responsibilities, continue to work consistently for peace, justice and right, to heal at their depths the sources and causes of hatred, at this moment painful and dramatic, in France and in every part of the world marked by tensions and violence.

(from Vatican Radio)