Pope voices 'pain and horror' at France church hostage-taking

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Pope Francis issued "the most severe condemnation of all forms of hatred" and said he was appalled "because this horrific violence took place in a church, a sacred place" File photo
Image by: TONY GENTILE / REUTERS

Pope Francis has expressed his "pain and horror" at a hostage-taking at a church in France on Tuesday in which a priest was killed.

 

 

"The pope... participates in the pain and horror of this absurd violence," Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said, adding that Francis had been particularly appalled by the "barbaric killing" because it happened in a sacred place.
allowfullscreen Pope Francis issued "the most severe condemnation of all forms of hatred" and said he was appalled "because this horrific violence took place in a church, a sacred place" and involved the "barbaric" killing of a priest.