Pope Francis offers Westminster victims prayers and kindness

Yesterday's attacks in Westminster have shocked us all.

On Wednesday, March 22, Westminster fell victim to a deadly attack. In response, Pope Francis and Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, have expressed their deepest condolences and offered heartfelt prayers.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) -  The attack occurred outside the British Parliament in London when an ISIS terrorist driving an SUV plowed into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.

According to the Amaq media agency: "The perpetrator of the attacks yesterday in front of the British Parliament in London is an Islamic State soldier and he carried out the operation in response to calls to target citizens of the coalition."

When Pope Francis learned of the tragedy, he offered his condolences.

He offered a message, delivered by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, to Mgr. Matteo De Mori, charge d'affaires at the apostolic nunciature in London, which was then passed on to Catdinal Vincent Nichols, according to the Catholic Herald.

The message read Pope Francis was "Deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and of the injuries caused by the attack in central London, His Holiness Pope Francis expresses his prayerful solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy.

"Commending those who have died to the loving mercy of Almighty God, His Holiness invokes divine strength and peace upon their grieving families, and he assures the nation of his prayers at this time."

Cardinal Nichols called for prayer for those who died and those who lost their loved ones.

One victim, Aysha Frade, was a 43-year-old woman who worked at a nearby college and had children who attended St. Mary of the Angels primary school in Bayswater, west London.

She was on her way to pick her children up from school when the attack occurred.

Cardinal Nichols spoke of her and added: "Yesterday's attacks in Westminster have shocked us all. The kind of violence we have seen all too often in other places has again brought horror and killing to this city.

"I know you will lead people in prayer, especially for those who have lost their lives and those who have lost one[s] they love. Pray for Aysha Frade, killed by the car on Westminster Bridge. Her two children attend St. Mary of the Angels Primary School. Pray for them and for their father.

"And please remember the young French students who have been injured. We remember too all who have been injured, and those who care for them. We pray in particular for Keith Palmer, the police officer who died, and for his family, thanking God that so many show such brave dedication to keeping our society safe.

"Let our voice be one of prayer, of compassionate solidarity, and of calm. All who believe in God, Creator and Father of every person, will echo this voice, for faith in God is not a problem to be solved, but a strength and a foundation on which [we] depend."

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