"Violence breeds violence. Hatred breeds hatred. Every one of us must repudiate hatred and violence from our words and actions. We must all be builders of understanding, compassion and peace, day by day, in our homes, our work and our communities. That is the only way."
The cardinal also wrote to Mohammad Kozbar, trustee of the Finsbury Park Mosque, saying, "I am horrified that people should, again, be targeted in this way. I write to assure you of my prayers for the person who has died, for those who have been injured and for all deeply affected by this brutal attack. I know that I speak for all Catholics when I assure you of prayers and support."
In a similar message to Ahmed Kheloufi, director of Muslim Welfare House, Cardinal Nichols wrote "to assure you of my prayers and of my deep compassion for all who have been injured and affected by this deliberate act of violence. In particular I pray for the person who has been killed. May God's blessings strengthen you all."
"I also want to thank you for the work you do to foster good relations in the Finsbury Park community," the cardinal added. "I pray that your work will be strengthened at this most difficult time."
The attack came after the group had taken part in evening prayers after breaking their Ramadan fast.
The van's driver, a 48 year old man, was restrained at the scene of the attack, and the mosque's imam kept him from being attacked. He has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.