A call to “unite in the unanimous condemnation of these cruel abominations that are only causing death, terror and horror”, and to “convert the hearts of these people blinded by cruel fundamentalism”. Pope Francis made this appeal “to all people of good will” during his General Audience today, before greeting the Italian-speaking faithful. Referring to the appalling attacks in Brussels, he said to the some 20,000 pilgrims in attendance: “With a grieving heart, I followed the sad news of the terrorist attacks that took place in Brussels yesterday which have caused many victims and wounded”. “I want to assure the dear Belgian people, the families of the victims and all those injured of my prayer and closeness”, the Pontiff continued. “I reiterate my appeal to all people of good will to unite in the unanimous condemnation of these cruel abominations that are only causing death, terror and horror”. “I call on everyone to persevere in prayer and in asking the Lord, in this Holy Week, to comfort the hearts of the afflicted and to convert the hearts of these people blinded by cruel fundamentalism, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary”. After praying the “Hail Mary” with the faithful, who welcomed his words with a round of applause, the Pope concluded: “Now, let us pray in silence for the dead, the wounded, their families, and for all the people of Belgium”.