The Pope's profound sadness for the attack in Turkey

Vatican City, 11 October 2015 (VIS) – After praying the Angelus today, the Pope expressed his profound sadness for the attack against a demonstration for peace in Ankara, Turkey, causing more than 100 deaths and numerous injuries. Francis described the attack as a “terrible massacre” and sadness that the attack was aimed at defenceless people demonstrating together for peace. “I pray for this dear country and ask the Lord to receive the souls of the deceased and to console the suffering and their families. Let us pray in silence together”, he added.

The Holy Father then mentioned that Tuesday 13 October is International Day for the Reduction of Natural Disasters. “Unfortunately it must be recognised that the effects of such calamities are often aggravated by a lack of care for the environment by man. I unite with all those who, in a far-sighted way, are committed to the care of our common home, to promote a global and local culture for the reduction of disasters and greater resilience when they occur, harmonising new and traditional knowledge, and paying particular attention to the most vulnerable populations”.