Turkey: Shooting in Catholic church. One parishioner killed

Santa Maria church. Image: Vatican Media

Source: Vatican News, Apostolic Vicariate of Istanbul

During Sunday morning Mass today, two masked gunmen entered the Santa Maria church in the Sarıyer district, of Istanbul and began firing gunshots into the air. One disabled parishioner tried to stop them and was shot dead. Several others were injured.

The Apostolic Administrator of Constantinople, Bishop Massimiliano Palinuro, told Vatican Media that the reason for the attack are not yet known and "have yet to be verified." But, he said: "he elements that seem to emerge so far suggest a religiously motivated attack, a motivation of religious intolerance."

"Our community is literally shocked," he said, even if it is living the tragedy as a "time for prayer," "for solidarity with the Catholic community," and "for prayer for the person who has died."

Bishop Palinuro expressed his sorrow for the person killed and appealing for greater security of the Catholic faithful.

"We ask for greater security and for the safety of the faithful, of the Christian community, which perseveres in the faith and courageously face very long journeys at times to attend the Eucharistic celebration."

During the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis expressed his concern and sympathy with parish.