Archbishop Paolo Pezzi of Moscow has described Monday's bombing of a train in St Petersburg as "a villainous terrorist act".
Fourteen people died when a bomb exploded on the train as it travelled between two underground stations. A further 49 people were injured in the blast.
According to reports, security services in Kyrgyzstan have named the bomber as Akbarzhon Jalilov, who was born in 1995 and was a native of Kyrgyzstan who obtained Russian citizenship.
Archbishop Pezzi offered his prayers and condolences following the bombing, National Catholic Register reports.
“With deep sorrow, I learned about the villainous terrorist act in St Petersburg that caused suffering and grief to many people,” he said in a statement.
“Together with all faithful Catholics and believers of other faiths and religions, I turn to God with a burning prayer for deliverance of Russia and the world from the curse of terrorism."
He added: “Let the merciful Lord accept the dead in his arms, grant healing to the victims, consolation to the mourners. His blessing and help to all those who work to prevent the repetition of this tragedy.”
