Opinion

IS murder of French priest is an unspeakable act of barbarity

The horrific murder of a Catholic priest celebrating Mass and the grievous wounding of a nun is the latest atrocity perpetrated on a French nation still in shock after the massacre of 84 men, women and children in Nice.

It seems there is no limit to the savagery displayed by Islamic State (IS) fanatics. They are prepared to plumb the very depths in their attempts to terrorise and punish those in the west who enjoy the sort of freedoms that are wholly despised by these religious extremists.

Even for a country reeling from the most horrific slaughter, the attack on a Catholic church in Normandy yesterday left people stunned.

To go into a sacred place while an act of worship was taking place and to kill a defenceless 84-year-old priest, Father Jacques Hamel, is a barbaric deed almost beyond the comprehension of those of us living in the free societies of Europe.

The details that have emerged so far about this sickening murder show the unspeakable cruelty of the killers who invaded this church near Rouen during morning Mass.

According to a nun who was an eyewitness to this horror, Fr Hamel was forced to kneel before his throat was cut, an act apparently recorded by the two knifemen.

This evil killing sends out a message to ordinary people in Europe that nowhere is safe, including traditional places of safety and sanctuary.

This dreadful crime will pile further pressure on the French government which is facing heavy criticism in the wake of the Nice attack for failing to protect citizens.

It transpires that one of the men who butchered Fr Hamel was known to the authorities and was wearing a tag.

Defeating the IS terror threat is a monumental challenge for European governments, who will be wondering where the next strike will be.

These are fearful times and French president Francois Hollande will need to show that his government is gaining the upper hand.