Holy Father Pope Francis while addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square expressed his closeness to the Coptic Orthodox and extended his prayers for the dead, the wounded and the whole community who were attacked by the so-called Islamic States recently. His Holiness Pope Francis also offered his prayers especially for the conversion of what he called “all violent hearts” and he also reflected on the feast of Holy Family.

As reported by Vatican radio, Holy Father Pope Francis remarked that “I express my closeness to the Coptic Orthodox brothers of Egypt, struck two days ago by two attacks on a Church and a shop in the suburbs in Cairo. May the Lord welcome the souls of the dead, comfort the wounded, their families and the whole community and convert all violent hearts.” Further, His Holiness added, “I address a special greeting to the families present here and also to those who are participating from home. May the Holy Family bless you and guide you on your journey.”

Nine people were killed in two separate attacks on the Coptic Christian community in Cairo and the so-called Islamic States has claimed responsibility for both the attacks.