Pope expresses condolences to Israeli families

“The news of the death of three young Israelis that had disappeared is terrible and tragic,” the June 30 statement read. “The murder of innocent people is always and abominable and unacceptable crime, and an important obstacle in the way of peace, for which we must continue to work restlessly and for which we need to pray.”

“Violence only begets more violence and feeds the deadly circle of hate,” it added.

The Vatican statement noted that “Pope Francis unites to the indescribable pain of the families affected by this homicidal violence and to the pain of all persons affected by the consequences of hate, and prays for God to inspire in all sentiments of compassion and peace.”