Speaking at his Sunday Angelus address at St Peter's Square, the Pope expressed his pain at the violence and offered his condolences to France's president and people.

"Such barbarity leaves us bewildered and makes us ask ourselves how the heart of man can think of and realise such horrible events, that have shocked not only France but the whole world," said Francis.

"In front of these acts, you cannot not condemn the unspeakable affront to the dignity of the human person," he said.

"I want to reaffirm with vigour that the way of violence and hate does not resolve the problems of humanity and that to use the name of God to justify this way is blasphemy!"

The Pontiff then led the thousands in the square in a special prayer to the Virgin Mary, calling her "the mother of mercy" and asking that she "protect and watch over the dear French nation, the first daughter of the Church, and over Europe and the whole world".

In an earlier interview, the Pope said the attacks were "not human" and said he found them difficult to understand.

Francis reportedly said the attacks were part of a piecemeal third world war.

He also pledged his prayers, love and closeness to the families of the victims.

In Paris, Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois asked all parishes to comply with the recommendations of civil authorities that residents stay home and for schools, universities, theatres, gyms, and other institutions to remain closed.

On Sunday, Cardinal Vingt-Trois celebrated a Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which was broadcast live throughout France.

Thousands of mourners gathered outside the cathedral.

The cardinal earlier said in a statement: "We ask that grace be the artisan of peace. We need never despair of peace if we build on justice."

He condemned the attacks on his city, praised first responders and urged unity.

Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi described the incidents as an attack on humanity in general.

The Church, he stressed, wants peace and that the Jubilee Year of Mercy - called by the Pope and due to start next month - was needed more than ever.

Sources

• Crux
• Vatican Radio (Cardinal Vingt-Trois statement)
• The Tablet
• ITV
• National Catholic Reporter
• Catholic News Agency
• Image: Vatican Radio

"We shouldn't be duped. It's easy because that prevents asking the question within society itself," said Cardinal Vingt-Trois, the archbishlp of Paris.

"Paedophilia is not solely a Church problem. Eighty per cent of victims of paedophilia are in families, and we don't talk about that," he said, rejecting what he called a "fascination" over the issue in connection with the Church.

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