Pope Francis sent his condolences and offered his prayers for the victims of the attack that occurred during the celebration of Mass this Sunday, December 3, at the Mindanao State University in Marawi (Philippines).

"I would like to assure my prayer for the victims of this morning's attack in the Philippines, where a bomb exploded during Mass. I am close to the families, to the people of Mindanao who have already suffered so much," he stated after the Angelus prayer.

In the morning, at least four people died and about 40 were injured due to the explosion that occurred in the campus gymnasium located in Marawi, on the southern island of Mindanao. Authorities are investigating whether pro-Islamic State militants were responsible. The province, located on the borders of Malaysia and Indonesia, hosts several Islamist militant groups that fight against the Filipino government.

In a telegram signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, the Holy Father addressed Monsignor Edwin Angot de la Peña, Prelate of the Territorial Prelature of Marawi, to express "sadness to be informed of the injuries and loss of lives caused by the bombing" and "his spiritual closeness to all those affected."

Furthermore, the Pontiff assured Monsignor Angot de la Peña that he would join in prayer to "commend the souls of those who died to the loving mercy of Almighty God" and implored "the divine gifts of healing and consolation for the injured and bereaved." "With prayers that Christ, the Prince of Peace, will grant to all the strength to turn from violence and overcome all evil with good (cf. Rom. 12:21), His Holiness cordially imparts his blessing as a pledge of strength and consolation in the Lord," concludes the telegram signed by Cardinal Parolin.

In its most recent statement, Mindanao State University has assured that it is in "close coordination" with local authorities regarding campus security.

The educational institution reports that the campus "is protected" with the presence of both the National Police and the Army. "In summary, the university is not closed, there is no evacuation, and the campus is under control," the message concludes.

Concerns About the Situation Between Israel and Palestine

This December 3, after the Angelus, Pope Francis also referred to the "serious" situation between Israel and Palestine: "It hurts that the truce has been broken: this means death, destruction, and misery."

Last Friday, the truce agreed between Israel and Hamas since November 24 came to an end, after the former accused the Palestinian terrorist group of violating the agreement. "I hope that all those involved can reach a new ceasefire agreement as soon as possible and find solutions other than weapons, trying to take courageous paths towards peace," the Holy Father continued.

Francis added that, while "many hostages have been released," there are still several others who are in Gaza. "Let us think about them, their families who had seen a light, a hope to embrace their loved ones again," he said.

This article was originally published on ACI Prensa.