Pope Francis: To kill in the name of God is satanic

Fr Jacques Hamel

Today (Wednesday) Pope Francis offered Mass for Fr Jacques Hamel, who was murdered while celebrating Mass on 26 July 2016, in the Church of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvra in Rouen by two men claiming to belong so-called Islamic State. Archbishop Dominque Lebrun of Rouen, along with 80 other pilgrims from his diocese, were in the congregation.

Reflecting on the many martyrs that are part of the history of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis said: "this is a story that repeats itself in the Church, and today, he said, there are more Christian martyrs than there were at beginning of Christianity."

"Today there are Christians who are murdered, tortured, imprisoned, have their throats slit because they do not deny Jesus Christ.".. "This history, continues with our Father Jacques: he is part of this chain of martyrs," the Pope said.

"Father Jacques Hamel was slain as he celebrated the sacrifice of Christ's crucifixion. A good man, a meek man, a man who always tried to build peace was murdered. This is the satanic thread of persecution" he said.

Pope Francis continued: "What a pleasure it would be if all religious confessions would say: 'to kill in the name of God is satanic'".

Pope Francis concluded his homily holding up Fr Hamel and his example of courage and said we must pray to him to grant us meekness, brotherhood, peace and the courage to tell the truth: "to kill in the name of God is satanic."

On the altar, there was simple photograph of Fr Hamel. The liturgy was broadcast live by the Vatican Television Station.

Source: Vatican Radio