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