Vatican City, May 31, 2017 / 05:35 am
After a major suicide bomb tore through a busy neighborhood in Kabul, Afghanistan, killing at least 80 people, Pope Francis condemned the 'brutal' act, offering his prayers for the victims and for peace in the country.
"Having learned with sadness of the abhorrent attack in Kabul and of the many dead and seriously injured, Pope Francis expresses his heartfelt condolences to all affected by this brutal act of violence," a May 31 telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said.
Pope Francis, he said, "commends the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty, and assures the people of Afghanistan of his continued prayers for peace."
The Pope's letter, addressed to Afghani ambassador to Italy, was sent hours after a suicide bomb exploded in the diplomatic quarter of Kabul, Afghanistan, killing some 80 people and wounding nearly 300 others, according to CNN.