Pope Francis has offered prayers and condolences following the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans that left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured.
The tragedy occurred in the city’s French Quarter when a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd celebrating the holiday.
The Vatican issued a telegram on Jan. 2, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, conveying the pope’s sorrow. “His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the attack,” the message read, commending the deceased to “the loving mercy of Almighty God” and praying for “healing and consolation” for the affected families.
New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond described the act as “a sign of utter disrespect for human life” and expressed gratitude for the efforts of law enforcement and medical personnel. “Our prayers go out to those killed and injured,” he said in a statement on Jan. 1.
Law enforcement reportedly confirmed the incident is being treated as an act of terrorism. Additional explosive devices were reportedly located near the attack site.
The FBI is also said to be examining possible connections between the New Orleans attack and a separate incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas the same day.
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