Paris archbishop mourns Sri Lanka Easter victims

The archbishop of Paris and parishioners of fire-ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral are mourning the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka.

Archbishop Michel Aupetit tweeted: "Why so much hate on this day when we celebrate love? On this Easter day, we are in communion with our murdered brethren of Sri Lanka." Aupetit celebrated Easter Mass for worshippers displaced from normal services at Notre Dame because of Monday's fire.

A soldier and several police guarded the building. It was unclear whether the extra security was linked to the Sri Lanka attack, but parishioner Monique Pigere said "I understand why" security is needed, lamenting the "terrible" news.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has condemned the "devastating" attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.

In a statement, Ardern referred to the March 15 shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch in which 50 died.

"New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil," Ardern said.

"New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely." The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says 115 New Zealanders are registered as being in Sri Lanka but more are likely to be there. There is no indication New Zealanders are among the victims.

European leaders are expressing horror at the attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier wrote in a message to his Sri Lankan counterpart that he was "stunned and horrified" by the "cowardly terror attacks." Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz wrote on Twitter that he was "deeply shaken and concerned by (the) devious terrorist attacks."
The head of the European Union's executive Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said he learned of the bombings "with horror and sadness."
The UAE called upon "the international community to close ranks and uproot the scourge of terrorism in order to ensure international peace and security."
Qatar said it wanted to stress its "its firm stance on rejecting violence and terrorism." Bahrain, meanwhile, said "these acts of terrorism are incompatible with religious principles and human and moral values."
May said on Twitter that "The acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling, and my deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time."
Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced a series of attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka as "cruel and cynical."
In a telegram of condolences sent to his Sri Lankan counterpart, the Russian leader said Moscow remains a "reliable partner of Sri Lanka in the fight against international terrorism."
Putin voiced confidence that "the perpetrators and the masterminds of such a cruel and cynical crime committed amid the Easter festivities will take the punishment they deserve."