'Such cruel violence,' says Pope Francis condemning Sri Lanka attacks

Pope Francis on Sunday condemned the Sri Lanka attacks, which killed over 200 people, as "such cruel violence."

''I learned with sadness the news of the attacks which today, Easter Sunday, brought mourning and pain," Francis said in his traditional Easter address at the Vatican.

"I want to express my affectionate closeness with the Christian community, attacked while it was at prayer, and to all the victims of such cruel violence," Pope further said.

"I entrust to the Lord those who have tragically died and I pray for the wounded and for all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event," Pope added.

Sri Lanka on Sunday was rocked by eight blasts targeting luxury hotels and churches.

Several other political leaders have strongly condemned the series of coordinated bomb attacks in the island nation.