Pope condemns 'abhorrent' Kabul attack

- Pope Francis condemned the "abhorrent" truck bombing in Kabul's diplomatic quarter that left at least 80 people dead today.
"Having learned with sadness of the abhorrent attack in Kabul and of the many dead and seriously injured, Pope Francis expresses his heartfelt condolences to all affected by this brutal act of violence," the Vatican said in a message to Afghanistan's embassy in Italy.
"His Holiness commends the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty, and assures the people of Afghanistan of his continued prayers for peace," added the message, sent by telegram as per Vatican custom.

The powerful blast from a truck stuffed with more than 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds) of explosives, which hit the highly-fortified area in the morning rush hour, came just days into the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan.