Turkish media reported that one person was killed and several others injured in an armed attack on the "Santa Maria" church during Sunday mass in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya condemned the attack, which he said occurred at 08:40 GMT, stating: "Unfortunately, J.T. (initials of the deceased) lost his life in the armed attack carried out by two masked individuals while participating in the service." Turkish security forces established a security cordon in the area following the attack, which began at 11:00 local time, and multiple police teams were dispatched to the incident site.
I offer my condolences to the family and loved ones of C.T., who was killed by the two masked attackers during the Sunday service held at the Santa Maria Italian Church in Sarıyer. I hope the perpetrators are caught as soon as possible.
The office of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that he contacted the church priest and a local official from the ruling party to offer his condolences. Pope Francis also expressed his condolences after the weekly Angelus prayer.
