WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president
of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the
following statement in the wake of the latest attack on Christians in
the Middle East. In what officials are calling a terrorist attack,
masked gunmen opened fire on a bus that killed 28 people including men,
women and children. State TV is reporting the Coptic Christians were
attacked while on their way to Mass at the St. Samuel Monastery in Minya
province, located about 140 miles south of Cairo. Many children are
reported among the dead. The attack also wounded up to 22 others.

Full statement follows:

“They were children on their way to Mass. They were mothers and fathers taking their children to Mass. And this morning they became targets of yet another horrendous attack on Christians, murdered as they rode to Church together.
Dozens of others were injured in the attack today in Egypt on Coptic
Christians. Only a few short weeks ago, on Palm Sunday, many Christians
were slaughtered simply because they were worshipping God. Now, as we
approach Pentecost, the same unspeakable evil emerges again and repeats
itself. Pope Francis, during his recent visit to the noble land of
Egypt said, ‘ … the innocent blood of defenseless Christians was
cruelly shed: their innocent blood unites us.’ Though our grief is
unbearable, our unity grows all the more strong. That unity is the way
to peace.

On behalf of the Bishops of the United States, on behalf of Catholics
and all people of good will across our nation, I commend the souls of
those who have died to the loving arms of the Lord Jesus and entrust
those who are injured and those who mourn to the embrace of Our Blessed
Mother, Our Lady of Mercy.”

—

Keywords: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Cardinal Daniel
N. DiNardo, Egypt, terror attack, Coptic Christians, Mass, children,
bus attack, Jesus, innocent blood, Our Lady of Mercy.

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Judy Keane
202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops