Pope Francis sent this sympathetic telegram following the hostage situation on Friday in Carcassonne, France.
The pope says he “entrusts to the mercy of God those who have lost their lives,” and joins in the mourning of their families.
The Holy Father highlighted the generous and heroic act of Lieutenant Colonel Arnaud Beltrame and reminded he “gave his life to protect the people.”
According to the press, Beltrame got married while bleeding to death from gunshot wounds he sustained during the attack.
In the message, the pope also included a condemnation of attacks, gave his blessing to those injured and prayed for peace.
