Pope Francis reacts to Owo church massacre

Pope Francis has condemned the attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo LGA of Ondo state, expressing his condolences to the victims’ families.

Gunmen attacked the church on Sunday, killing many worshippers and injuring several people.

The gunmen were said to have detonated explosives before firing at the congregants.

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo, who visited the church, described the incident as a “calculated assault” on the people of Owo.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says 11 children and 22 adults are on admission at the emergency wards of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by Matteo Bruni, director, Vatican press office, the pope said the congregants were “painfully affected”.

“The pope has learned of the attack on the church in Ondo, Nigeria and the deaths of dozens of worshippers, many children, during the celebration of Pentecost,” the statement reads.

“While the details are being clarified, Pope Francis prays for the victims and the country, painfully affected at a time of celebration, and entrusts them both to the Lord so that he may send his spirit to console them.”