Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster has said his "thoughts and prayers are with the people of France" following the Paris terror attack at the offices of Charlie Hebdo yesterday. The cardinal, president of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, made the statement as France began a national day of mourning. A minute's silence was to be held at midday, after which the bells of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris were to be rung. Many churches across the country were also expected to ring their bells at the same time. At Mass this morning Pope Francis prayed for the victims of the shooting as well as the perpetrators – "that the Lord might change their heart".