Skip to content

Pope Francis prays for Turkey after deadly Istanbul bombing

Pope Francis has expressed his condolences for the victims of a deadly bombing on a busy pedestrian street in Istanbul over the weekend.

The Vatican published a message on Nov. 15 that expressed the pope’s spiritual closeness to the injured and those who mourn the loss of their loved ones who died in the explosion in Turkey’s capital.

“His Holiness prays that no act of violence will discourage the efforts of the people of Türkiye to build a society based on the values of fraternity, justice and peace,” it said.

The explosion on Istanbul’s Istiklal Avenue, a popular shopping street, on Nov. 13 killed six people and led around 80 others to be hospitalized, according to the Associated Press. Among the victims were two girls, ages 9 and 15. Funerals were held for the victims on Monday.

Turkish police have said that Ahlam Albashir, a Syrian woman with links to Kurdish militants, confessed to planting the bomb while in police custody. A total of 50 suspects have been apprehended in connection with the bombing.

The papal message was addressed to Archbishop Marek Solczyński, the apostolic nuncio in Turkey, and signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.

This article was originally published by EWTN News English.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp

Courtney Mares

Courtney Mares is the Rome correspondent for the Catholic News Agency. A graduate of Harvard University, she has worked in newsrooms on three continents and was awarded a Gardner Fellowship for her work with North Korean refugees.

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Traditionis custodes: Cardinal says only Vatican can dispense from certain obligations

The head of the Vatican’s liturgy office said Tuesday that dispensations from two of the rules in Traditionis

The Bombing of the Pope’s Residence

Castel Gandolfo is an Italian village on the shores of Lake Albano. Its Papal Villas are known to have been the summer residence of the popes for many years. However, during World War II, it became a refuge for people seeking to escape the war. 

Pope Leo XIV highlights Gaza, Yemen, migrants in first Christmas urbi et orbi message

In his first Christmas “urbi et orbi” message as pope, Leo XIV urged the world to embrace “responsibility” as the

After Lourdes’ Decision On Rupnik Art, Fátima Shrine Not Planning To Remove Mosaics

The Lourdes shrine announced Monday it is covering mosaics by alleged abuser Fr. Marko Rupnik, while the Fatima shrine said it won’t remove its own Rupnik artwork.
A gentle cascade of white rose petals falls from the ceiling of the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Aug. 5, 2025, the feast of the dedication of the basilica, evoking “the miracle of the snow” said to have taken place nearly 17 centuries ago. | Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA

PHOTOS: White rose petals fall from ceiling of Rome basilica to mark fourth-century miracle

According to tradition, the miracle involved a miraculous snowfall in Rome on Aug. 5 in the year 358.

The Unique Private Train of the “Pope King” – Blessed Pius IX

In the era of papal travels around the world, it may make one smile that it takes a

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com