Pope Francis condemns the killing of MP David Amess during his Sunday greeting
Pope Francis says violence ‘is a defeat for everyone’ as he condemns the killing of MP David Amess during his Sunday greeting
At the window of the Apostolic Palace the Pope waved to the public in St Peter’s Square and gave his Sunday greetingHe condemned the violent and fatal attacks in Norway, Afghanistan and England Pope Francis said: ‘Let’s remember that violence generates violence’His calls for peace come on the day a special church service was held for MP David Amess, who was fatally stabbed on Friday at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea
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The Pope has condemned recent attacks around the world, including on MP David Amess in Essex, consoling the families of victims and calling violence ‘a defeat for everyone.’
He waved to and greeted the public in St Peter’s Square for his Sunday remarks and blessings which he delivered from a window in the Apostolic Palace.
Pope Francis then said: ‘Last week various attacks were carried out, for example in Norway, Afghanistan, England, which caused many deaths and injuries.
‘I express my closeness to the families of the victims.
‘I implore you, please, to abandon the path of violence, which is always a losing one, is a defeat for all. Let’s remember that violence generates violence.’
The Pope has condemned recent attacks around the world, including on MP David Amess in Essex, consoling the families of victims and calling violence ‘a defeat for everyone’ (pictured)
The Pope’s comments and calls for peace came on the day of a special Church service vigil for MP David Amess.
Mr Amess was fatally stabbed on Friday at a constituency surgery in Belfairs Methodist Church, Leigh-on-Sea.
He was a Catholic himself and members of his Leigh-on-Sea community came together tonight at the church of St Michael’s and All Angels to light candles and remember him.
MP David Amess (pictured) was fatally stabbed on Friday at a constituency surgery in Belfairs Methodist Church, Leigh-on-Sea and today a special church service was held to remember him at St Michael’s and All Angels Church
Candles were lit by parishioners at the end of today’s service in his memory (pictured)
Piles of floral tributes were also placed outside the church by mourners today, including Conservative MP Mark Francois, who was visibly emotional.
Mr Francois said: ‘He was the best bloke I ever knew.’
Others attended a vigil at St Peter’s Church in Eastwood, Essex, on Friday in memory of Mr Amess.
Piles of floral tributes were also placed outside the church (pictured) by mourners today, including Conservative MP Mark Francois, who was visibly emotional
Others attended a vigil at St Peter’s Church in Eastwood, Essex, on Friday in memory of Mr Amess (pictured)
Constituents and friends also gathered outside the town’s civic centre yesterday to share their memories of him.
Police are investigating the fatal stabbing of Mr Amess as a terrorist act.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has promised an urgent review on MP security.
Ms Patel appeared on the Andrew Marr show today to say that police may be brought in to guard MP surgeries and keep them safe.
Priti Patel appeared on the Andrew Marr show today (pictured) to say that police may be brought in to guard MP surgeries and keep them safe
She made it clear that a ‘whole spectrum’ of measures is being considered to address safety concerns for MPs and said that they will be taken ‘immediately.’
Other attacks around the world were condemned by the Pope including the fatal massacre in Norway.
The assailant fired a bow and arrow in the Kongsberg massacre, leaving five dead and leaving three people injured.
Norwegian police were criticised for reacting too slowly to the events in the town of Kongsberg, acknowledging that the five killed died after officers first encountered the attacker.
Authorities say the 37-year-old local resident has admitted to the killings and is undergoing psychiatric evaluation.
Norwegian police were criticised for reacting too slowly to the massacre in the town of Kongsberg, acknowledging that the five killed (pictured above), died after officers first encountered the attacker
Many Shiite Muslims shouted slogans during a protest after a suicide bomb attack in Southern Afghanistan on Friday killed 47 people and injured many more (pictured)
The Pope also gave the example of a suicide bomb attack in Southern Afghanistan, at the Fatimiya mosque in Kandahar which killed 47 people and wounded many more.
The so-called Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Relatives of those killed in Afghanistan in the bombing at a Shiite mosque in Kandahar province have called on the Taliban to protect them.
And today many Shiite Muslims chanted slogans during a demonstration against the attack on Friday.
