Neither violence nor death will ever have the last word before God

Pope Francis first visit as pontiff to a synagogue, where, in a reference to Islamist attacks, he condemned violence in the name of religion. “The violence of man against man is in contradiction with any religion worthy of this name, in particular the three great monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam),” he said in what appeared to be a reference to attacks by Islamist militants. “Conflicts, wars, violence and injustices open deep wounds in humanity that call on us to strengthen or commitment to peace and justice,” he said. “Neither violence nor death will ever have the last word before God.”