VATICAN (Sputnik) — The letter was sent by Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin in the name of Pope Francis who deemed the Dhaka terrorist attack "mad violence against innocent victims."
"With all my heart I express my condolences and denounce these barbaric acts as an insult to God and humanity," the letter read.
On Friday, Daesh, banned in Russia, claimed responsibility for taking hostages inside a cafe located in Dhaka's diplomatic quarter. According to the latest data, the attack has left 20 people dead, while 13 hostages have been rescued by the country's security forces. Most of the victims are foreigners, according to reports.