Pope Francis has expressed his deep sadness over the Islamist attack in New Orleans, which occurred on 1 January 2025. A telegram of condolences was sent on his behalf by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans. The Pope assured the victims’ families of his spiritual closeness and entrusted the souls of the deceased to God’s mercy, praying for the healing and comfort of the wounded and bereaved.
The attack, which killed 10 people and injured at least 30 others, occurred when a man crashed a pickup truck into a crowd celebrating New Year’s Eve on Bourbon Street. The driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a 42-year-old American citizen from Texas, was carrying an Islamic State flag in his vehicle. He was shot dead by police while attempting to flee the scene.
Archbishop Aymond also released a statement, offering prayers for the victims and their families, and thanking law enforcement and medical personnel for their heroic response to the attack. The Pope’s message concluded with a pledge of peace and strength, sending his blessing to those affected.