In condemning the terror attacks that took place in Paris last Friday, Pope Francis said those who use the name of God to justify acts of violence are committing "blasphemy."
He also said that the events happenings in the world now are already indications of the "end times" as described by Jesus Himself in Mark Chapter 13.
The pope called the horrendous terror attacks in Paris as an "affront to human dignity" as he slammed those who ordered and who carried out the heinous acts in the name of God and religion.
"I wish to express my deep sorrow for the terrorist attacks which on Friday evening covered France in blood," the Pope said during his Nov. 15 Angelus address, according to the Catholic News Agency. "Such barbarity leaves us shocked and makes us wonder how the human heart can conceive and carry out such horrible events, which have shaken not only France but the entire world."
Pope Francis reassured French president Francois Hollande and Parisians that he is one with them in the fight against terrorism, and he warned those who misconstrue God's teachings as instructions to carry out acts of violence that they are committing blasphemy.
"I wish to forcefully reaffirm that the path of violence and hate can never solve the problems of humanity," he said, adding that "to use the name of God to justify this path is blasphemy."
He also said that Jesus' description of the end times in Mark Chapter 13 is already unfolding before the world—there are wars, famines, and cosmic catastrophes such as the darkening of the sun and moon. However, he stressed that these elements "are not the essential part of the message."
The true heart of Jesus' message, according to the pope, "is himself; the mystery of his person and of his death and resurrection, and his return to the end of time."
He also explained that "we aren't waiting for a time or a place, but we're going toward a person: Jesus."
"Even to this day there is no shortage of natural and moral disasters, nor of adversity and hardships of every kind," he said.
He reminded people that the Lord is the "only guiding light that refreshes our steps."
