Pope sends condolences to victims of Istanbul explosion

In a telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and addressed to the Apostolic Nuncio in Türkiye, Archbishop Marek Solczyński, on Tuesday, 15 November, Pope Francis expressed his deep sadness upon learning of the deaths and injuries caused by the explosion of a bomb in Istanbul on 13 November.

“Saddened to learn of the loss of life caused by the explosion in Istanbul on Sunday”, the Holy Father expresses his “condolences to the families and friends of those who have died” and assures “the injured and those who mourn their loved ones of his spiritual closeness”, the message reads.

The Holy Father offers prayers “that no act of violence will discourage the efforts of the people of Türkiye to build a society based on the values of fraternity, justice and peace”.