The Diocese of Nice has released a statement following the knife attack in the French city’s Notre Dame church this morning. Monsigneur André Marceau, Bishop of Nice, said the following:

It is with the greatest emotion that I have come to learn about the tragedy which has struck the Christian community of Alpes-Maritimes this morning. And once again the city of Nice.

As I write this, it appears that three people have been the victims of a heinous terrorist act within and around the walls of Notre Dame Basilica, days after the savage murder of the teacher Samuel Paty.

Only several weeks following devastating storm Alex, I can only feel very strongly as a result of this new drama which puts our whole diocese into mourning.

My sorrow as a human being, confronted by what other humans can do, is infinite.

At this time, all the churches in Nice are closed until further notice, and placed under police protection.

All my prayers go out to the victims, their loved ones, the law enforcement agencies on the front lines of this tragedy, priests and the faithful whose faith and hope has been wounded.

May Christ’s spirit of forgiveness prevail in the face of these barbaric acts.

The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has confirmed that President Emmanuel Macron is due to visit Nice, but precise details regarding the visit were not immediately available.

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