Statement from the Archbishop: Attack at Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Basilica in Nice

It was very distressing to wake up this morning and learn that an armed man had killed three people in Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Basilica in Nice. Authorities are treating the incident as a terrorist attack.

The crime claimed the lives of two women who had come seeking comfort in prayer that fine morning, as well as that of the Basilica’s warden.

We are all in shock at this act of violence that has taken place in a church, in a space dedicated to peace. Faced with this human drama, my prayers are with the victims’ families, with the staff of the Basilica and with all the people of Nice who are affected by this terrible incident. I am also thinking of people here who have family in Nice.

We know that the places of worship of many religions are increasingly the target of acts of violence. We must continue to follow the path of peace and love, believing that good will overcome evil through prayer and good works (Romans 12:21).

I call on all of us to join in prayer, and I encourage all the faithful to continue celebrating their faith as a community in their churches.
Let us pray to Our Lady and let us believe in peace.