Pope Francis condemns Arish terrorist attack

CAIRO – 25 November 2017: Pope Francis on Friday condemned the abhorrent terrorist attack on Radwa Mosque in North Sinai, which left hundreds dead and injured, according to Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Pope Francis described the incident as a "barbaric act" against innocent civilians who were praying and called for prayers for the victims.

“His Holiness joins all people of good will in imploring that hearts hardened by hatred will learn to renounce the way of violence that leads to such great suffering and embrace the way of peace,” read the Pope’s message.

President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi received a large number of condolence cables for the victims of the tragic incident. He also received telephone calls from leaders of Arab and Western countries, among them America, Russia and the European Union, who confirmed their solidarity with the Egyptian state against terrorism.

A group of 15 armed terrorists broke into Rawdah Mosque in Arish City, leaving at least 235 dead and 125 injured. According to eyewitnesses, the terrorists were initially riding two all-terrain vehicles, which they left 150 meters away from the crime scene. They detonated a bomb outside the mosque and then opened fire at panicked worshippers.