Pope Francis Expresses His Condolences to Families of Victims of Knife Attack

Bratislava/Spisska Stara Ves, January 20 (TASR) - Pope Francis has expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic knife attack at the secondary grammar school in the town of Spisska Stara Ves (Presov region), the Slovak Bishops Conference's (KBS) press office wrote on its website. Through Apostolic Nuncio to Slovakia Nicola Girasoli, he sent a message of spiritual closeness and solidarity to all those affected by this tragedy. The Holy Father's condolences were conveyed by Spis Bishop Frantisek Trstensky during Sunday's (January 19) farewell to one of the victims in the village of Spisske Hanusovce (Presov region). In his letter, the apostolic nuncio expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of the school deputy director and one of the students, also pointing to the prayers for a speedy recovery of the injured student. He stressed that Holy Father Francis is praying for the eternal repose of the deceased Mary and Alena, who died under the tragic circumstances, and is joining in prayer with the families affected by this pain. The apostolic nuncio called for unity in common hope and for deepening of respect for life in society. "May this tragic event bring us closer together and lead us to develop attitudes of respect for life," he wrote in a letter addressed to Trstensky, who read it out during the farewell. The victims of last week's attack at the secondary grammar school in Spisska Stara Ves were two women, aged 18 and 51, a student and the school deputy director. Another 18-year-old woman with moderately severe injuries was taken to hospital. An 18-year-old student who attended the high school, was arrested on suspicion of committing the crime. am/mcs