Pope Francis used the occasion of the Sunday Angelus to address the terrorist attacks on Paris, in strong language of both condemnation and consolation:
I wish to express my deep sorrow over the terrorist attacks, that late Friday evening bathed France in blood, leaving many victims. To the president of the French Republic, and to all its citizens, I express my fraternal condolences. I am particularly close to the families of all those who have lost their lives, and to the wounded. Such barbarity leaves us shocked, and we wonder how the human heart can conceive and carry out such horrible acts, which have shaken not only France, but the whole world. In the face of these acts, one cannot but condemn the unspeakable affront to human dignity. I want to reaffirm strongly that the path of violence and hatred does not solve the problems of humanity, and using the name of God to justify this path is blasphemy.
Deacon Greg Kandra highlights first reactions from Muslims to the attacks on France.
And today we celebrate...