Philly Archbishop Issues Statement On Istanbul Terror Attacks

In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Istanbul, Turkey this week, Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput has issued a statement on the event and addressed to the victims and their families.

The U.S. Embassy in Turkey is investigating whether any Americans were among the at least 41 people killed and 147 wounded when three suicide bombers blew themselves up Tuesday at the country's largest airport.

Chaput's statement was as follows:

"Once again, the global community has been confronted with extreme violence committed by those who spread terror through evil. Each life senselessly extinguished in Istanbul was a unique gift from God who filled family, friends, and loved ones with joy. Those precious gifts have been tragically stolen from all who are now in mourning and bearing immense burdens of sorrow and pain.

Istanbul now suffers as Orlando, San Bernardino, Brussels, and Paris have done in recent months. I ask the clergy and people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to pray in a special way in the coming days for all those affected by the tragedy in Turkey. May God shower his grace upon them and bring peace to our troubled world."

Chaput was named Archbishop in 2011.