Pope Francis prays for victims of Turkish wedding attack

'The Lord offers us many occasions to save ourselves and enter through the door of salvation...'

A child believed to be between 12 and 14-years-old interrupted a wedding ceremony in Gaziantep, Turkey, killing 54 people, 22 of whom were under 14-years-old.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The attack has not been claimed by ISIS or other terrorist groups but several survivors are so heartbroken they hardly care.

According to CNN, Emine Ayhan and her family were participating in the wedding celebrations when the bomb detonated.

Her husband was seriously injured and four of her five children were killed. The broken-hearted woman admitted, "If my remaining child was not alive, I would commit suicide."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claims ISIS has used children as suicide bombers and even used them in combat but the terrorist organization rarely takes responsibility for attacks on Turkish soil.

When news of the bombing reached Pope Francis' ears, he immediately decided to pray.

According to the Catholic News Agency, Pope Francis stated: "Dear brothers and sisters, I have heard of the sad news of the bloody attack yesterday which struck the beloved Turkey."

The pontiff spoke of the tragedy then offered prayers for the victims, both "living and dead," before leading a moment of silence and offering a Hail Mary for "the gift of peace for all."

He then spoke of Jesus talking about a door. "[S]trive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough," Pope Francis explained.

To pass through the door, Jesus must lead us into communion with the Lord, "where we find love, understanding and protection," his Holiness stated.

He added adding Jesus "awaits each one of us, whatever sin we have committed, to embrace us, to offer us his forgiveness. Only he can give full meaning to our existence, giving us true joy."

He explained by passing the door, Jesus offers us salvation. In closing, the Pope asked Mary to intercede to help us all "seize the opportunities" the Lord offers us by the wide road "of salvation capable of welcoming all those who allow themselves to be involved with love.

"It's love that saves, love which already on earth is a source of beatitude for those, in meekness, patience and justice, forget about themselves and give themselves to others, especially the most vulnerable."

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