A Catholic priest is reported to be in stable condition, after he was stabbed while leading a mass that was being streamed live from St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, Canada.
According to CNN, Father Claude Grou, age 77 was taken to the hospital immediately following the attack and had lacerations to his upper body. He has since been released.
Parishioners looked on in stunned horror as a strange man approached the alter and began swinging on the clergyman without provocation.
Church security apprehended the suspect and held him on the scene until police arrived.
“What a horrible attack at Saint Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal this morning,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted. “Father Claude Grou, Canadians are thinking of you and wishing you a swift recovery.”
The elderly rector of the church in Canada thanked supporters and well-wishers as he left the hospital. Police have vowed to step up security at the church.
The suspect has not been identified. He’s expected in court Saturday.
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