ISTANBUL (AP) — In a shocking incident, two masked assailants attacked a Roman Catholic church in Istanbul during a Sunday Mass, resulting in the loss of one innocent life. Turkish officials have condemned the attack and launched an investigation to capture the attackers, while a media ban has been imposed on coverage of the incident.
The armed assailants targeted Santa Maria Church in Istanbul's Sariyer district at around 11:40 a.m. (0840 GMT or 3:30 a.m. EST), according to a statement by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya on X, formerly known as Twitter. While the minister did not provide details about the weapons used, it remains unclear whether there were any other casualties in the assault.
A disturbing video circulating on social media captures the moment of the attack, where two masked men can be seen entering the church and opening fire, causing panic among the churchgoers who quickly take cover. The assailants subsequently leave the scene abruptly.
Expressing his condolences and support for religious minorities in Istanbul, Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu emphasized unity among all citizens regardless of their religious affiliations. 'There are no minorities in this city or this country. We are all actual citizens,' he stated during a press conference.
The attack on Santa Maria Church did not go unnoticed by Pope Francis, who mentioned the incident during his address at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. He expressed his solidarity with the community affected by the tragedy, acknowledging the loss of one life and injuries sustained by others.
Providing further information about the victim, a nephew identified him as Tuncer Cihan. In an interview with the Associated Press, Cagin Cihan clarified that his uncle, who had no involvement in politics or criminal organizations, was simply attending the Sunday Mass as an invited guest. He described his uncle as a mentally disabled individual who tragically became a victim of circumstance.
Santa Maria Church is supervised by an Italian order of Franciscan friars, and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani assured that the Italian government is closely monitoring the situation. In a tweet, Tajani expressed his condolences and firm condemnation for the vicious attack, expressing confidence that the responsible individuals would be brought to justice.
As the investigation into this horrific incident continues, the authorities in Turkey face the urgent task of apprehending the attackers and ensuring the safety and security of religious communities in the country. The assault on Santa Maria Church serves as a tragic reminder of the need for vigilance and protection of all places of worship, irrespective of religious affiliation, in order to foster an environment of peace and tolerance.
