Pope Francis: Only love can silence hate

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis has expressed his "deepest sympathy to the families of the victims" and all the people of Austria following terror attacks in Vienna on Monday night that left four people dead and fifteen more injured...

An unknown number of gunmen took part in Monday's shootings at six different locations in Vienna - including in front of the Vienna's main synagogue - scene of a bloody attack in 1981 during a Bar Mitzvah service, in which two people were killed and 15 injured.

In a telegram addressed to Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna, and signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican's Secretary of State. Cardinal Parolin writes that "Deeply affected, the Holy Father Francis learned of the violent acts in Vienna that have brought death and pain to innocent people. He expresses his closeness to all the wounded, and prays for their prompt recovery."

The telegram concludes: "Pope Francis entrusts the victims to God's mercy and implores the Lord that violence and hatred cease and that peaceful coexistence in society be promoted. From his heart, His Holiness accompanies those affected by this tragedy with his Blessing."

Pope Francis also expressed his closeness to those affected by Monday's attack through a tweet posted on his @Pontifex account on Tuesday afternoon. The tweet reads as follows:

"I express my sorrow and dismay for the terrorist attack in #Vienna, and I pray for the victims and their families. Enough violence! Let us together strengthen peace and fraternity. Only love can silence hate."