Pope Francis has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with those impacted by a recent terrorist attack in New Orleans, which left 15 people dead and dozens injured.

In a message addressed to Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, the Pope conveyed his “spiritual closeness” to the victims and their families, commending them to “the loving mercy of Almighty God.” The telegram, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, assured prayers for all affected and conveyed the Pope’s blessing as a “pledge of peace and strength in the Lord.”

The attack occurred on January 1, when a 42-year-old man, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a rented pickup truck at high speed into a crowd in the city’s French Quarter. Jabbar, a Texas native and U.S. Army veteran, was killed in a gunfight with police following the rampage. Authorities suspect that others may have been involved in the attack.

The FBI revealed that an Islamic State flag was found in the vehicle, and U.S. President Joe Biden stated the attack was inspired by the extremist group.

Archbishop Aymond described the event as "a sign of utter disrespect for human life" and thanked law enforcement and medical teams for their swift response in the face of such violence.

On the same day, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven others. The FBI is investigating whether the explosion was an act of terrorism and whether it is connected to the New Orleans attack.