Vatican City, Jan 1, 2017 / 07:03 am
On the first day of the new year and the 50th World Day of Peace, Pope Francis condemned a terrorist attack which took place in Istanbul early Sunday morning, praying for the victims, the injured and in support of everyone who works to fight violence and terrorism.
"Grieved, I express my closeness to the Turkish people, I pray for the many victims and the injured and for the whole nation in mourning," the Pope said after leading the Angelus Jan. 1.
"I ask the Lord to support all people of good will who roll up their sleeves to boldly tackle the scourge of terrorism and the bloody stain that envelops the world with a shadow of fear and bewilderment."
At least 39 people were killed, and another 69 injured, after a gunman opened fire in a nightclub in Istanbul around 1:30 am local time Sunday, the BBC reports. Authorities are still looking for the assailant.