(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has expressed his condolences to the family of the Russian ambassador to Turkey who was shot dead by a police officer at an art exhibition.
In a message sent by the Holy See’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to Russian president Vladimir Putin, the Pope said he was “saddened to learn of the violent attack in Ankara, which resulted in the death of Ambassador Andrei Karlov”. He assured the people of the Russian Federation of his prayers and “spiritual solidarity” at this time.
The attack on Monday night was carried out by a man in a suit believed to be an-off duty police officer. Footage captured of the incident shows Mevlut Mert Altintas, 22, firing at least eight shots while shouting in Turkish: “Don’t forget Aleppo. Don’t forget Syria.” He was shortly after killed by special forces.
Karlov had previously served as an ambassador to North Korea.
The full statement by Cardinal Pietro Parolin is published below:
His Excellency Vladimir Putin
President of the Russian Federation
Moscow
His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the violent attack in Ankara, which resulted in the death of Ambassador Andrei Karlov. His Holiness sends condolences to all who mourn his loss, and in a special way to the members of Ambassador Karlov’s family. In commending his soul to Almighty God, Pope Francis assures you and all the people of the Russian Federation of his prayers and spiritual solidarity at this time.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the President of COMECE and of the German Bishops’ Conference, expresses his compassion for the victims and calls for unity after yesterday’s act of violence against the Christmas market in Berlin (19 December 2016):
“The news from Berlin have deeply shocked me. The violence on the Christmas market is the opposite of what visitors were seeking. My compassion goes to the relatives of the dead and injured. For all of them I will pray.
In these difficult hours for the city of Berlin and for our country, it is important for us to hold together and stand united as society. ”
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the President of COMECE and of the German Bishops’ Conference, expresses his compassion for the victims and calls for unity after yesterday’s act of violence against the Christmas market in Berlin (19 December 2016):
“The news from Berlin have deeply shocked me. The violence on the Christmas market is the opposite of what visitors were seeking. My compassion goes to the relatives of the dead and injured. For all of them I will pray.
In these difficult hours for the city of Berlin and for our country, it is important for us to hold together and stand united as society. ”
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has appointed a new Director of the Vatican Museums, Barbara Jatta, who is set to take up the post on 1 January 2017.
Born in Rome on 6 October 1962, Barbara Jatta previously held the position of Vice-Director of the Vatican Museums.
She received her Liberal Arts degree in Letters from the ‘Sapienza’ University in Rome in 1986, a Diploma in Archives at the Vatican School of Paleography the following year, and a specialization in Art History in 1991.
Ms. Jatta has taught courses in ‘History of Graphic Art’ since 1994 at the University of Naples.
She also worked at the Vatican Apostolic Library from 1996 until 2010.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has appointed a new Director of the Vatican Museums, Barbara Jatta, who is set to take up the post on 1 January 2017.
Born in Rome on 6 October 1962, Barbara Jatta previously held the position of Vice-Director of the Vatican Museums.
She received her Liberal Arts degree in Letters from the ‘Sapienza’ University in Rome in 1986, a Diploma in Archives at the Vatican School of Paleography the following year, and a specialization in Art History in 1991.
Ms. Jatta has taught courses in ‘History of Graphic Art’ since 1994 at the University of Naples.
She also worked at the Vatican Apostolic Library from 1996 until 2010.
(from Vatican Radio)…