Pope offers prayers and condemns terrorist attack in New Orleans

Pope Francis has expressed his “spiritual closeness” to those affected by the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans in a message sent to Archbishop Gregory Aymond of the city. 

The Pope said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the “loss of life and injury” caused by the attack on January 1, in which 15 people were killed and dozens injured when a 42-year-old man drove a pickup truck at high speed into a crowd. 

In a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis assured the victims and the city of his prayers, commending them to “the loving mercy of Almighty God.” He also conveyed his blessing “as a pledge of peace and strength in the Lord.” 

Aymond, in his own statement, condemned the attack as “a sign of utter disrespect for human life” and expressed his prayers for the victims.

He also praised the heroism of law enforcement and medical personnel inresponding to the tragedy. 

The attack occurred in the early hours of January 1, when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a Texas native and US Army veteran, drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Jabbar was killed in a gunfight with police, though authorities believe multiple individuals may have been involved. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported finding an Islamic State flag in the truck, and President Joe Biden stated the attack was inspired by the group. 

On the same day, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven others.

Authorities are investigating whether the explosion was an act of terrorism and whether the two incidents are connected.