VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has expressed his “heartfelt solidarity” after Monday’s terrorist attack on the Erawan Hindu Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, which killed 20 people and injured 120, many of them from other countries.
In a telegram sent to King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the injury and loss of life caused by the attack.
“Mindful of the security and emergency personnel who are seeking the perpetrators of these crimes, while also assisting the injured, their families and those of the deceased, His Holiness offers the assurance of his prayers and invokes the divine blessings of peace and healing upon the Kingdom,” the message reads.
On Tuesday an arrest warrant was issued for the suspect’s arrest. Local authorities have offered a $28,000 reward for his capture.
The bomber was caught on CCTV entering the shrine, removing his backpack, before blending in with tourists and leaving the shrine minutes before the bomb went off.
The shrine reopened on Tuesday, as mourners paid their condolences to the dead, while undercover agents have been posted around the city to monitor events.
Diane Montagna is Rome correspondent for Aleteia’s English edition.
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