Pope on Vienna attack: 'Enough violence. Only love can silence hate'

By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis has expressed his "deepest sympathy to the families of the victims" and to all the people of Austria following the tragic terror attack that saw at least four people dead and fifteen more injured on Monday night. 

Telegram of closeness

His closeness came in a telegram addressed to Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna, and signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican's Secretary of State. In the telegram, Cardinal Parolin writes that "Deeply affected, the Holy Father Francis learned of the violent acts in Vienna that have brought death and pain to innocent people". He expresses his closeness to all the wounded, and prays for their prompt recovery."

The telegram concludes saying that "Pope Francis entrusts the victims to God's mercy and implores the Lord that violence and hatred cease and that peaceful coexistence in society be promoted. From his heart, His Holiness accompanies those affected by this tragedy with his Blessing."

Pope Francis tweets his condolences

Pope Francis also expressed his closeness to those affected by Monday's attack through a tweet posted on his @Pontifex account on Tuesday afternoon. The tweet reads as follows:

"I express my sorrow and dismay for the terrorist attack in #Vienna, and I pray for the victims and their families. Enough violence! Let us together strengthen peace and fraternity. Only love can silence hate." 

A still unidentified number of gunmen opened fire across the city of Vienna on Monday night, killing at four people and injuring fifteen more.