Pope Francis, on Sunday, sent prayers to the victims of the concert hall attack in Moscow, condemning the violence as “inhuman acts” that offended God.
“I assure my prayers for the victims of the cowardly terrorist attack carried out the other evening in Moscow,” said the 87-year-old pope, following a Palm Sunday mass in Saint Peter’s Square.
“May the Lord welcome them in his peace, comfort their families, and convert the hearts of those who organize and carry out these inhuman actions which offend God, who commanded ‘Thou shalt not kill,'” he added.
The pontiff presided over Palm Sunday Mass in front of a crowd estimated at 25,000 people by the Vatican. However, he spoke in a weak, faltering voice and did not deliver his homily as planned.
Despite his frailty, Francis appeared in good spirits following mass, circling the piazza, smiling, and waving at the crowd from his vehicle.
Last month, the pontiff caught the flu and has since relied on others to read his texts at public appearances. He has faced several health issues in recent years, from knee and hip pain to an inflamed colon and hernia surgery last year.
Sunday’s liturgical celebration marked the beginning of Holy Week, during which the pope leads a series of significant events leading up to Easter, the most important holiday in Christianity.
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Last year, Francis missed the traditional “Way of the Cross” prayer service on Good Friday due to unusually cold weather and his recovery from a bronchitis infection, which necessitated a three-night hospitalization.
AFP
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