Pope expresses sadness over attacks in Britain, Norway and Afghanistan

Pope Francis has spoken of his closeness to victims of attacks in Britain, Norway and Afghanistan and their families.

In his Sunday Angelus in St Peter's Square, the Pope expressed his sadness over the attacks "which caused many dead and wounded".

He said he was praying for peace as he warned that violence would only lead to more violence.

"I express my closeness to the families of the victims and I pray, please, abandon the path of violence, which is always a loss, a defeat for everyone," he said. 

"Let us remember that violence begets violence."

Britain has been mourning the death of Conservative MP Sir David Amess who was stabbed to death while meeting constituents inside a Methodist church last Friday.

Police have arrested a 25-year-old Briton in connection with the attack and are treating his death as a terrorist incident.

Sir David Amess was a devout Catholic. The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, called his death "a painful loss" and said he would be "sorely missed".

"This death throws a sharp light onto the fact that our Members of Parliament are servants of the people, available to people in their need, especially in their constituencies. This horrific attack, as David was undertaking his constituency surgery, is an attack on our democratic process and traditions," the cardinal said.

"David carried out his vocation as a Catholic in public life with generosity and integrity. He served in Parliament for four decades and was respected by all political parties across the House. His untimely death is a great loss."

Also on Friday, at least 41 people were killed and dozens more injured during a suicide attack by the so-called Islamic State at a mosque in Kandahar in Afghanistan.

These attacks came two days after a man went on the rampage in Norway with a bow and arrow among other weapons, killing five.

News
New network to foster unity between European and migrant churches
New network to foster unity between European and migrant churches

"Contested migration is a big barrier," says founder Dr Israel Oluwole Olofinjana.

Budget must go further to support families, says CARE
Budget must go further to support families, says CARE

Christian charity CARE has called for fundamental tax reform to support families, warning that the Budget’s measures offer too little help to parents facing financial pressures.

Isle of Man medics raise concerns about assisted suicide following Royal Assent
Isle of Man medics raise concerns about assisted suicide following Royal Assent

Although the bill has passed, assisted suicide is still at least 18 months away.

Abraham, Elisha and the faith that makes room for others
Abraham, Elisha and the faith that makes room for others

Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster reflects on hospitality and compassion through the lens of Abraham’s welcome to strangers and Elisha’s care for a grieving mother.