For the second day in a row, Pope Francis condemned the attacks in Sri Lanka describing them as “terrorist acts, inhuman acts, never justifiable”.
The death toll from the attacks is close to 300 with at least 35 foreigners among the fatalities. Sri Lankan police said 24 people had been arrested in connection with the blasts.
A state of emergency is to be declared with 'anti-terrorism clauses' effective from midnight Monday.
Speaking to tens of thousands in St Peter’s Square he described a close link to the Catholics in Sri Lanka and that he was praying for them.
In his statement he said:
“I ask everyone not to hesitate to offer this dear nation all the help necessary. I hope that everyone condemns these terrorist acts, inhuman acts, never justifiable,” he said before leading the crowd in prayer for the victims”.
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