Pope condemns "savage attack" at church in French Riviera city of Nice

World leaders were quick to denounce the incident in the Basilica of Notre Dame where three people were killed and several others injured in a knife attack

President Emmanuel Macron at the Basilica of Notre Dame in Nice on October 29, 2020 after a knife-wielding man kills three people at the church. (Photo by PHOTOPQR/NICE MATIN/MAXPPP) 

Pope Francis has condemned a terrorist attack at a Catholic church in the French Riviera city of Nice that killed three people, adding his voice to a chorus of world leaders who have denounced the attack and expressed solidarity and support for France.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin in a message to Bishop André Marceau of Nice said the pope having learned of the "savage attack" perpetrated this morning in a church in Nice, joins in prayer with the suffering of the families who have been affected and shares their sorrow.

He asks the Lord to bring them comfort and he commends the victims to God's mercy.

Condemning such violent acts of terror in the strongest possible way, he assures the Catholic Community of France and all the French people that he calls for unity. Entrusting France to the protection of Our Lady, he wholeheartedly gives the Apostolic Blessing to all those affected by this tragedy, read the message.

Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, in a separate statement said the pope is praying that the people of France people may react united, and "respond to evil with good."

It is a moment of pain, in a time of confusion. Terrorism and violence can never be accepted. Today's attack has sown death in a place of love and consolation… He prays for the victims and their loved ones, so that the violence may cease, so that we may return to look upon ourselves as brothers and sisters and not as enemies, that message read.

Archbishop Éric de Moulins-Beaufort of Reims, president of the French Bishops' Conference expressed his closeness to the people of Nice and Bishop Marceau.

"On Sunday, for All Saints, we will hear the Lord: Blessed are the peacemakers, they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who persecute you for my sake for your reward will be great in heaven."

"My sadness as a human being is infinite in the face of what other so-called human beings can do" he said.

He announced that all churches in Nice are closed and placed under police protection till further notice.

Attack in the Basilica of Notre Dame in Nice

French media reported that at least three people were killed and several others injured in a knife attack in the city of Nice.

The attack began around 9: 00 am in the Basilica of Notre Dame – the largest Catholic church in Nice.

One elderly woman who had come to pray was "virtually beheaded".

Two of those who died were attacked inside the church, the elderly woman and a man who was found with his throat cut, reports said.

A woman fled after being stabbed several times, but died later.

A suspect was shot and detained shortly afterwards.

Police have not suggested a motive for the attack in Nice.

French President Emmanuel Macron said this was an "Islamist terrorist attack".

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi described the incident as "a terrorist attack" and spoke of "Islamo-fascism", adding that the suspect had "repeated endlessly 'Allahu Akbar' (God is greatest)".

Condemnation

World leaders and governments were quick to react and denounce the attack.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the "UK stood steadfastly with France against terror and intolerance" and described the incident as "a barbaric attack".

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said it strongly condemned the attack.

"No reason could legitimize or excuse killing someone or violence. Those who conducted this savage attack at a sacred place of worship do not clearly share any religious, humane or moral values," said a Turkish foreign ministry spokesman.

President of the European Council Charles Michel said he "stands in solidarity" with the French people.

Russia's Kremlin said it was unacceptable to kill people.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said "Germany stands with France at this difficult time" and that she was was "deeply shaken by the brutal murders".

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the French were "not alone in the battle against extremism" and described the attack as "a gruesome act of terrorism".

Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte condemned the "vile" attack, adding that it would "not shake the common front defending the values of freedom and peace".

Saudi Arabia, which witnessed an attack on a guard at the French Consulate in Jiddah on Thursday, condemned the knife attack at the Notre Dame Basilica in Nice, and its Foreign Affairs ministry offered condolences for victims.

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri spoke with "the strongest condemnation" calling it a heinous crime.

"Terrorism has no religion, and all Muslims are called on to reject this criminal act that is not related to Islam or to the prophet of love," he said.

Qatar offered its "strong condemnation and denunciation" of the attack in France with its Foreign Affairs Ministry reiterating "Qatar's firm position on rejecting violence and terrorism, regardless of the motives and reason."

Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said "Denmark stands shoulder to shoulder with our French friends and allies."

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said "terrorism will never win over European values and our unity."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the ''heinous attack'' and offered his condolences to the families of the victims.

Recent attacks in France

This latest attack comes while the country is still coming to grips with the October 16 murder of a middle school teacher, Samuel Paty, for talking to students about cartoon depictions of Prophet Mohammad in the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

This has led to protests in some Muslim-majority countries and calls for a boycott of French goods.

France has had a series of recent attacks linked to Islamist extremists:

• October 2020: French teacher Samuel Paty is beheaded outside a school in a suburb of Paris

• September 2020: Two people stabbed and seriously hurt in Paris near the former offices of Charlie Hebdo

• July 2016: Two attackers kill a Catholic priest, Jacques Hamel, while he was celebrating Mass, and seriously wound another at a church in a suburb of Rouen

• July 2016: A gunman drives a large lorry into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, killing 86 people

• November 2015: Gunmen and suicide bombers launch multiple attacks on the Bataclan concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars in Paris, leaving 130 people dead and hundreds wounded

• January 2015: Two Islamist militant gunmen force their way into Charlie Hebdo's offices and shoot dead 12 people