Sri Lanka bombings latest: Pope Francis denounces 'cruel violence' as world leaders condemn attacks

Pope Francis denounced the violence
AFP/Getty Images
Jacob Jarvis21 April 2019

Pope Francis denounced the Sri Lanka church bombings in his Easter Sunday message as leaders around the globe condemned the violence.

In an appeal at the end of his annual speech, the Pope lamented the "grave attacks" on Sri Lankan hotels and churches, which occurred just as the Christian faithful were celebrating Easter Mass.

"I want to express my loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence," he said.

"I entrust to the Lord all those who were tragically killed and pray for the injured and all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event."

Sri Lankan security personnel walk through debris following an explosion in St Sebastian's Church in Negombo, north of the capital Colombo
AFP/Getty Images

As figureheads spoke out on the atrocities, which killed at least 207 people and left another 450 wounded, the United Nations secretary general has said he is "outraged by the terrorist attacks".

A statement by the spokesman for Antonio Guterres noted the "sanctity of all places of worship".

This also expressed hopes the perpetrators will be quickly brought to justice.

One blast occurred at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo
EPA

Mr Guterres tweeted: "I condemn the heinous terrorist attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, a sacred day for Christians. The UN stands in solidarity with Sri Lanka as the global community fights hatred and violent extremism together. Holy sites must be respected."

Pakistan's prime minister Imran Khan, a former cricketer well known in Sri Lanka, offered solidarity to "brethren" in the country.

France's President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "odious acts" of the attackers and tweeted: "We are deeply saddened by the terrorist attacks against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. We firmly condemn these odious acts. We stand by the people of Sri Lanka and our thoughts go out to the loved ones of the victims on this Easter Sunday."

The inside of St Anthony's church in Colombo after it was rocked by an explosion
EPA

Russia's Vladimir Putin "expressed condolences to Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena in connection with tragic consequences of terrorist acts".

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan also expressed his condolences, tweeting: "I condemn in the strongest terms possible the Easter terror attacks in Sri Lanka. This is an assault on all of humanity. On behalf of the Turkish people, I offer my condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Sri Lanka, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured."

Indian premier Narendra Modi said: "Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured."

In the UK, Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted: "The acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling, and my deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time."

While opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was "appalled by the horrific attacks".

President Donald Trump has also condemned the attacks.

Among those killed were a well-known chef and her daughter, named Shantha Mayadunne and Nisanga.

They had been staying at the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo, one of four luxury hotels targeted in a morning of bloodshed.

Nisanga Mayadunne, believed to be aged in her 30s, had studied at the University of London, according to her social media page.

Sri Lanka's foreign ministry confirmed three Britons and two people holding joint US and British citizenship were among the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks.

About 35 tourists, including Britons, Americans and Dutch citizens, are believed to be among the dead and the Foreign Office said it was urgently seeking information from local authorities.

Six nearly simultaneous blasts went off during the morning in three churches where worshippers were celebrating Easter and in three luxury hotels frequented by foreign tourists.

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