Archbishop Makarios of Australia sent his warm condolences to the victims of the attack on the shopping mall in Sydney.
The knife attack that tragically claimed the lives of six individuals and injured others at a Sydney shopping mall on Saturday was perpetrated by a 40-year-old man who was reported to be suffering from a mental illness. Australian police have stated that there is no evidence suggesting a possible terrorist motive behind the attack.
In his condolence message, Archbishop Makarios expressed sorrow and grief over the “heinous” crime, stating: “Let me assure them that we are praying for their consolation and strengthening from on high as well as for the repose of the souls of their loved ones.”
Read here the full message of the Archbishop of Australia:
Words fail to describe our sadness at the heinous crime committed at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre in Sydney, as well as our deep pain for the tragic loss of innocent lives.
From the depths of my heart, I feel the need to address the relatives and friends of the victims and express not only my personal sincere condolences but also those of the entire Christ-loving plenitude of the Holy Archdiocese. Let me assure them that we are praying for their consolation and strengthening from on high as well as for the repose of the souls of their loved ones.
At the same time, our thoughts turn to our fellow human beings who were injured and hospitalised, for whom we fervently pray that they overcome further danger and make a speedy recovery. May God enlighten and strengthen the medical staff, both doctors and nurses who in these critical hours care for the recovery of the wounded in a self-sacrificing manner, as always, in order to uphold the sacredness of human life.
