On July 26, two terrorists burst into the parish of Église St.-Étienne in the city of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, France during morning Mass. After taking several people hostage, including two nuns, the men brutally stabbed and killed Fr. Jacques Hamel at the church’s altar. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack soon afterward. The murder of Fr. Jacques is another instance of what Pope Francis has called “absurd violence” sweeping the world and the increasing persecution and martyrdom of Christians, including in Syria and Iraq. Let us pray for the eternal rest of Fr. Jacques and all others killed for the faith, and let us further pray for peace throughout the world.