Pope Voices Solidarity with Muslims after New Zealand Attacks

TEHRAN (defapress) - Pope Francis assured "all New Zealanders, and in particular the Muslim community, of his heartfelt solidarity," after Friday´s attacks on two mosques which left 49 people dead.

News ID: 76207

Date: 15 March 2019 - 18:10

The pope was "deeply saddened to learn of the injury and loss of life caused by the senseless acts of violence," Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said in a telegram, AFP reported.

Attacks on two Christchurch mosques left at least 49 dead Friday, with one gunman -- identified as an Australian extremist -- apparently livestreaming the assault that triggered the lockdown of the New Zealand city.

In what appeared to be the worst attack against Muslims in a western country, witnesses spoke of victims being shot at close range, with women and children believed to be among those killed.

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