The Catholic Church of Saint-Denis stands by Théo, the boy assaulted by the police, and answers his request, ensuring him prayers for him and his family, and for peace in the district of Aulnay-sous-Bois. After days of clashes, Bishop of Saint-Denis Msgr. Pascal Dellanoy spoke today.

“After this terrible act – he said – I was particularly stricken by the words spoken by Théo during the visit of President Hollande. The boy asked everyone not to surrender to violence, and said he would pray for him, too. I think his appeal shows us his great maturity, in spite of his terrible body pain. All Christians will pray for him and his family, and for brotherhood to defeat violence”. For that – said the Bishop – “basic work has to be done. Today, youth and police don’t trust each other. Of course, in such context, as soon as something happens, tension is likely to burst and quickly change into violence. Therefore, it is necessary to build a link of trust between youth and police. That link has to be done, I think, by encouraging up-close dynamism”.