Pope prays for victims of Indonesia attacks

By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis assured the “dear people of Indonesia,” and especially Christians in the city of Surabya, that he was “particularly close” to them in the wake of deadly attacks earlier on Sunday.

Three churches in Indonesia’s second-largest city were bombed in apparently coordinated attacks, leaving at least 11 people dead and more than forty others injured. It’s the deadliest attack in Indonesia since 2005.

In his remarks following the weekly Regina Coeli in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis said he is praying for the victims and their loved ones.

“Together,” he said, “let us call upon the God of peace, that He might bring these violent actions to an end; and that in the hearts of all, space might be found for feelings, not of hatred and violence, but of reconciliation and fraternity.”

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks on Sunday.  In addition to the three bombings, local authorities claim to have thwarted other attempted attacks.