Pope Leo responds to deadly church bombing in Damascus
Caroline MolloyPope Leo XIV sent a telegram expressing his condolences to the victims of the recent suicide bombing at a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus that left 25 people dead and more than 60 wounded.
The message, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and sent June 24, came two days after the deadly attack during Divine Liturgy in the Dweila neighborhood.
“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and destruction caused by the attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of Mar Elias in Damascus,” the telegram reads. “He expresses heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy.”
According to Syrian officials, the attacker — identified as a member of the Islamic State — entered the church with a firearm and an explosive vest, CatholicVote reported. After opening fire on worshipers, he detonated the device inside the sacred space. Syrian media reported that he also hurled a grenade into the congregation before the explosion.
“In commending the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of our Heavenly Father,” the telegram continued, “His Holiness likewise prays for those who mourn their loss, for the recovery of the injured, and invokes the Almighty’s gifts of consolation, healing and peace upon the nation.”
