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Battle ready

French President Francois Hollande vows to fight ‘war’ against ISIS in wake of ‘cowardly’ church attack in Normandy

Hollande promises to use 'all means possible' following horror that left 84-year-old priest Jacques Hamel dead

Francois Hollande

FRENCH President Francois Hollande last night vowed to fight the “war” against ISIS “using all means possible”.

He travelled to the horror scene in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, in Normandy to condemn the “cowardly attack”.

Francois Hollande
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Battle front . . . Francois Hollande vowed to fight the 'war' against ISIS 'using all means possible'

He said the terrorists were trying to “divide” France. He added: “We are faced with a group that has actually declared war, and we have to fight this war using all means possible.

Mr Hollande, who plans to meet leaders of different faiths, went on: “It’s not only Catholics who are involved, all the French people are involved.

“And that’s why we must ensure cohesion. Nobody should be able to break it.”

Jacques Hamel
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Attrocity . . . Jacques Hamel was slain was jihadi's stormed a church in Saint-Etienne- du-Rouvray, in NormandyCredit: Getty Images
Prime Minister Theresa May
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Response . . . new PM Theresa May has branded the killing as a 'sickening attack'Credit: Getty Images
Pope Francis
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Sacrilege . . . Pope Francis expressed his 'sorrow and horror' following the horror in Normandy

Meanwhile PM Theresa May offered “condolences to the French people following the sickening attack.”

She said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.” Pope Francis expressed “sorrow and horror”.

A Vatican spokesman said: “We are particularly struck because this horrible violence has occurred in a church — a sacred place where we pronounce God’s love.”

Archbishop of Canterbury
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Speaking out . . . Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby offered his condolences following the brutal murder of 84-year-old Father Jacques HamelCredit: PA:Press Association

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby tweeted: “Evil attacks the weakest, denies truth & love, is defeated through Jesus Christ. Pray for France, for victims, for their communities.”

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