Pope Francis on Monday deplored the attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka that killed nearly 300 people and called for universal condemnation of what he said were “terrorist acts, inhuman acts” that could never be justified, ONA reports citing Reuters.

Speaking to tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Monday, a holiday in Italy, he said he was close to the Catholics of Sri Lanka and was praying for all of the many dead and wounded.

“I ask everyone not to hesitate to offer this dear nation all the help necessary. I hope that everyone condemns these terrorist acts, inhuman acts, never justifiable,” he said before leading the crowd in prayer for the victims.