Paris, France, Nov 13, 2015 / 16:34 pm
Amid devastating attacks at locations throughout Paris, Church leaders are calling for prayer.
"May St Denis and Our Lady of Lourdes intercede tonight for the people of Paris," Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska said on Twitter.
"My prayers are with the people of Paris tonight. Let us pray for the victims, the hostages, and their families," said Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Bishop Kevin Farrell of Dallas and Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth also voiced prayers on Twitter.
Numerous attacks across the city of Paris were reported on the evening of Nov. 13. Explosions were reported near the Stade de France, the national stadium where a soccer match was underway. Shootings were reported in the area of the famous Louvre museum and the nearby Les Halles shopping mall, as well as Le Petit Cambodge restaurant.
In addition, dozens of hostages were reportedly held at Bataclan concert hall. French police stormed the concert hall and later declared the hostage situation over, saying that they had killed two attackers. AFP quoted police sources saying about 100 people had been killed in the concert venue.
Amid the attacks, French President Francois Hollande announced a state of emergency throughout the entire country and said that the nation's borders would be closed.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2015 at 9:40 a.m. MST:
As of Saturday, Nov. 14, Paris officials have estimated the fatalities at 127, with 300 people injured, 80 of them critically. According to French president Francois Hollande, the Islamic terrorist group ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack. Eight of the alleged gunman are said to have been killed, either by French police fire or suicide bombing. Accomplices in the attack may still be at large. Hollande declared a national emergency Friday night and has had the country's borders closed. He has also mandated three official days of mourning. A memorial Mass is slated to take place at the city's Notre Dame cathedral on Sunday evening.
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