Pope Francis calls terror attacks “Not Human”

A message that reads, “Paris will always be” is placed at a memorial along a police cordon set-up close to the Bataclan concert hall on November 15, 2015, two days after a series of deadly attacks.

Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, sent a telegram to Cardinal Vingt-Trois on behalf of Pope Francis, assuring the archbishop of Paris of his prayers for those affected by “horrific terrorist attacks”.

Pope Francis said such barbarity leaves us stunned as we wonder how human hearts can think up and carry out such atrocities which “have shocked not only France but the whole world”.

The Vatican Radio reported that in a telephone interview on Saturday with the Italian Bishops’ Conference official television network – TV2000 – Pope Francis said the attacks are “not human”.

French President Francois Hollande has said ISIS is behind Friday’s attacks, which occurred at six sites around Paris and left an estimated 160 persons dead and well more than 100 persons injured. He stressed that “we must never despair of peace if we are to build justice”.

ANGELO CARCONI/EPA The wave of violence killed at least 127 people and wounded another 200.

“Let us pray that every family participating in the Eucharist opens itself to the love of God and neighbor, especially for those who lack bread and affection”.

Pope Francis urged Catholics on Wednesday to continue the tradition of a family meal, leaving smartphones aside and switching off the TV to enjoy the “fundamental experience” of sharing food.

The pope also “vigorously condemns violence, which can not solve anything, and he asks God to inspire thoughts of peace and solidarity in all”.

The emotional and distraught pontiff lashed out at the attackers and said they were “murderers possessed by crazed hatred”, according to the Daily Mail. “If we let ourselves be frightened, they will have already reached their first objective”.

The Pope added: “I am shaken and pained. No, no silence. We need to recover family togetherness while adapting it to the times”.

Referring to Holy Communion, when Christians believe they have the body of Jesus when they eat blessed bread, Francis said, “The Eucharist reminds us that our bread is meant to be shared with all”.