Skip to content

We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.

Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.

Help Now >

Pope Francis calls for prayers following terror attacks in Spain, Finland

Free World Class Education
FREE Catholic Classes
New attack in Finland as call for peace goes out.

Pope Francis has asked the world to pray for peace and healing in the wake of terror attacks in Spain which left 14 dead and up to 130 injured. This news comes as reports emerge of yet another attack in Finland, by a knife-wielding attacker. It is unclear if the attack in Finland is related to Islamic terrorism.

We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.

Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.

Help Now >

Terror attacks in Barcelona have killed 14 people. Pope Francis has appealed for peace and prayers.

Terror attacks in Barcelona have killed 14 people. Pope Francis has appealed for peace and prayers.

Highlights

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Pope Francis has issued a statement asking the world to pray for the victims of the terror attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils in Spain, yesterday. Those attacks killed 14 people. In addition to prayers for the victims, the Pope would like everyone to pray for healing and peace.

Five terrorists were killed and one suspect remains at large following two attacks yesterday. The first was in Barcelona where terrorists drove a van down a crowded public street, hitting over 100 people before stopping.


The driver was seen running into a crowd of people following the attack and is thought to still be at large.

Later, five men were shot dead in the town of Cambrils after they attempted a similar attack which killed one person.

Another four suspects are being sought by authorities as they hunt the remaining members of what is being described as a terrorist cell. According to reports, U.S. officials warned Spain that a terror cell was planning an attack in Barcelona. The terrorists planned to use explosives in the attack. It is not known why they changed their plan.

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

As the Pope issued his statement, a knife attack took place in Finland, but it is unclear if it too is related to Islamic terrorism. That attack appears to have hurt five people and killed one woman with a baby. More may be dead. The suspected attacker was shot dead by police. That story is developing.

It is important that all Christians pray for the repose of the dead, and the healing of the injured. We must pray for peace. We must also work for peace. Vigilance against terrorism is critical. We must not however, cower in fear.

The end of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq is near. As the terror organization dies, it is hoped support for terrorism dies with them. In Syria, the final stronghold of ISIS, Raqqa, is under assault with allied forces supporting local militias.

Deacon Keith Fournier Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you. Help Now >

Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.

Prayer of the Day logo
Saint of the Day logo

Catholic Online Logo

Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.

Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.