Pope Francis of the Vatican has denounced the "brutal terrorist attack" at Istanbul's airport and called on the killers behind it to change their ways, ABC News reported on Wednesday.

In a noontime blessing from his studio window, Francis said he was praying for the victims, their families "and the dear Turkish people." 

He asked the entire piazza to pray in silence and then led the crowd in the Hail Mary prayer.

He said: "May the Lord convert the hearts of the violent ones and support our efforts toward the path of peace." 

Tuesday's terrorist attacks left 41 people killed and 239 injured, mostly Turkish citizens.

Source  : MENA