Scottish Catholic Observer

by Amanda Connelly

The Holy Father sent a telegram expressing his sorrow at the events, and praised those who helped at the scene and in the aftermath.

“His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the injury and tragic loss of life caused by the barbaric attack in Manchester, and he expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this senseless act of violence,” read the telegram. “He commends the generous efforts of the emergency and security personnel, and offers the assurance of his prayers for the injured, and for all who have died.

‘Mindful in a particular way of those children and young people who have lost their lives, and of their grieving families, Pope Francis invokes God’s blessings of peace, healing and strength upon the nation’.

The attack, which saw a bomb detonated by a lone attacker following an Ariana Grande concert, has left at last 22 dead and another 59 injured.