Two attackers attack an Italian church in the middle of a religious service, leaving one dead. The Turkish authorities condemn this attack. Pope Francis gave his support to the place of worship.
Two masked attackers attacked a Roman Catholic church in Istanbul during Sunday services, killing one person, Turkish authorities said.
According to a statement published on X by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, the armed attackers attacked Santa Maria Church in Sariyer district at 11:40 a.m. local time. He did not say what type of weapons were used or whether anyone else was injured.
The minister of the Interior condemned the attack and said that authorities carried out a large-scale investigation.
Speaking to journalists, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu presented his condolences and support for the city’s religious minoritieswhich, like the whole of Turkey, is predominantly Muslim.
“There are no minorities in this city or in this country. We are all full citizens“, did he declare.
In a speech delivered Sunday in Saint-Pierre Square, Pope Francis took note of the attack. “I express my closeness to the community of the Istanbul church which, during mass, suffered an armed attack which left one dead and others injured,” declared the sovereign pontiff.
Speaking to the Associated Press, the victim’s nephew identified the deceased man as Tuncer Cihan. He clarified that the target was the church and not his uncle.
“He was mentally handicapped and had no ties to politics or criminal organizations. He went to church by invitation and was a victim of fate“, said Cagin Cihan.
For the moment, the terrorist trail seems to have been ruled out by the authorities, who favor a targeted attack.
Shortly after the attack, Pope Francis lent his support to the place of worship.
Last DecemberTurkish security forces arrested 32 suspects suspected of having links to Islamic State militants who were planning attacks on churches and synagogues, as well as the Islamic State detention center.
