Pope mourns 'tragic loss of life' after attack in Turkey

Vatican City, Mar 14, 2016 / 09:01 am

Pope Francis sent his condolences to the president of Turkey where a terrorist attack Sunday left dozens dead.

"Deeply saddened to learn of the injury and tragic loss of life caused by the bombing in Ankara, His Holiness Pope Francis assures the Turkish people of his spiritual closeness and solidarity," reads the telegram, addressed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

"He prays for the eternal rest of those who have died and for all who mourn their loss, as well as for the recovery of those affected by this heinous act of violence."

At least 36 people were killed March 13 after a bomb was detonated in the capital city of Ankara.

The female bomber, who was killed in the blast, was a member of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (known as the PKK), the BBC reports. The PKK is a militant organization based in Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan.

Turkish media reports that four people are being held in connection with the bombing.

Sunday's bombing was the latest in a series of attacks in recent months, including attacks in Ankara, says the BBC.

Officials have imposed curfews on three towns in south-east Turkey.

"Mindful of the generous service being rendered by security and emergency personnel," the telegram reads, "His Holiness invokes the divine blessings of peace, healing and strength upon the nation."