An Italian religious TV station, TV2000, has posted this audio clip of Pope Francis – sounding distressed and tearful – expressing his horror at the murders in Paris. The Pope says he’s moved and saddened, and praying for every one of the victims and their families; he feels close to ‘the beloved’ French people. The Spectator has had it translated from the Italian:-
Q: Holy Father, how do you feel about the tragedy of Paris?
A: I feel deeply touched and grieved. I don’t understand. But these things are hard to understand; things done by human beings. That’s why I am deeply touched, grieved and I pray. I am very close to the beloved French people, I am close to the relatives of the victims and I pray for all of them.
Q: You spoke many times about a Third World War… in pieces.
A: Yes, this is a piece of it. There is no justification for such things…
Q: Above all, there can’t be a religious justification.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in