Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed condolences to the President of French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and to the Bishop of Nice, André Marceau, over the death of people as a result of the armed attack in the Church of Notre Dame in Nice.
As the Patriarch of Moscow pointed out, “I deeply empathize with you and all the French people at this dark hour.” He also reassured the president that he would be praying to the Lord for a speedy recovery of the wounded.
Read the full message of condolences by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow to French President Emmanuel Macron:
To His Excellency Emmanuel MACRON
President Republic of France
Your Excellency, Dear Mr. President,
I am deeply grieved by the news about the death and injuries of parishioners of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Nice as a result of an attack committed by a man armed with a knife. I deeply empathize with you and all the French people at this dark hour.
The monstrous atrocities committed with the sacrilegious use of religious slogans will not be able to shake people’s desire of peaceful life, to make them follow the evil will of criminals and to recognize as norm the inhuman ideology of atrocity and violence.
I would like to express the words of condolences to the relatives and loved ones of those who were killed and affected. I pray to the Merciful Lord for a speedy recovery of the wounded and their recovery from the ordeal they have experienced.
With profound condolences,
+ Kirill
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia
The Patriarch also sent condolences to the Bishop of Nice, André Marceau.
The Right Reverend André Marceau
Bishop of Nice
Your Grace,
With the feeling of profound grief I have taken the news about the terrible atrocity that has been committed within the Basilica of Notre Dame de Nice – a brutal attack made on parishioners by an extremist, which has caused people’s death and injures.
I would like to express my sincere condolences to you, to the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Nice, to the relatives and loved ones of those who were killed and injured.
May the Lord, who said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (Jn. 11:25) repose the soul of those who were killed in the mansions of the righteous and may He give consolation to all the afflicted.
With sincere condolences,
+ Kirill
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia