"Istanbul Church Attack: Islamic State Claims Responsibility, Muslim Victim, and Solidarity from Patriarch Bartholomew"

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on a Catholic church in Istanbul during Sunday Mass, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old Turkish national. Two suspects, identified as members of the Islamic State group, have been arrested, and the Turkish bishops’ conference has condemned the act of violence and urged for prayers and greater security for communities and churches. The attack, captured on video, has raised concerns about religious intolerance, and comes after the recent arrest of 25 suspected Islamic State members in Turkey for plotting attacks on churches and synagogues.