Pope Francis has expressed his sadness at the Manchester attack, calling it a “senseless act of violence”.

A statement from the Vatican said:

His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the injury and tragic loss of life caused by the barbaric attack in Manchester, and he expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this senseless act of violence.

He commends the generous efforts of the emergency and security personnel, and offers the assurance of his prayers for the injured, and for all who have died.

Mindful in a particular way of those children and young people who have lost their lives, and of their grieving families, Pope Francis invokes God’s blessings of peace, healing and strength upon the nation.