The terror attack that took the lives of 49 people at two mosques in New Zealand was met with widespread condemnation. On Friday, people the world over rushed to social media to denounce the terrorist act and send thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims.
On Saturday morning, Abbot Pierre-Hervé Grosjean, a French priest at the Diocese of Versailles and secretary-general of the Ethical and Political Commission of the Diocese and Priest of Saint-Cyr School announced on Twitter that a prayer will be organized this Saturday for the victims of this despicable attack on Christchurch.
Ce matin nous prierons en paroisse pour les fidèles musulmans victimes de cet attentat ignoble à #ChristChurch , pour leur communauté et leurs familles si éprouvées. pic.twitter.com/pcY10q3HIg
— Abbé Grosjean ن (@abbegrosjean) 15 mars 2019
His message comes after a telegram was issued Friday, March 15, by the Holy See and signed by Pope Francis. He said he was «deeply saddened» and conveyed «his sincere solidarity» to all New Zealanders and in particular the Muslim community.
According to Aleteia, quoting the message of the Holy See, the pope has assured that his prayer will go to «all those who are affected by this tragedy».
«Des profondeurs je crie vers toi, Seigneur.
Seigneur, écoute mon appel. Que ton oreille se fasse attentive au cri de notre prière». Toutes nos pensées et prières vers la communauté musulmane endeuillée de #Christchurch pic.twitter.com/ZArpfRfhHO— Père Vincent Feroldi (@PVincentFeroldi) 15 mars 2019
The media also quotes several reactions from the leaders of the Christian community, including the parish priest of Notre-Dame de Rennes, the Director of the National Service for Relations with Muslims in the Conference of Bishops of France or the priest of the Emmanuel community, Father Jean-Baptiste Nadler.