Dozens of foreigners, including two Chinese nationals, were killed in the attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. The head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis has expressed his condolences, and world leaders also condemned the attacks, and pledged their support of the government in Colombo.

CGTN’s Toby Muse reports.

For many tourists, it was meant to be an Easter holiday in the sun – that would become a waking nightmare. A series of coordinated bombings struck churches and hotels known to be frequented by foreigners. The dead and the injured come from across the globe: China, India, Turkey, the United States, the United Kingdom and more.

Reactions from around the world flooded in.

On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis condemned the act.

 “I wish to express my affectionate closeness to the Christian community, hit while it was gathered in prayer, and to all the victims of such cruel violence,” Pope Francis said.

The U.S. State Department also said it stood with the Sri Lankan government and people as they bring to justice the perpetrators of these despicable and senseless acts.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his country’s support.

“Today, whatever happened in Sri Lanka, India stands in unity with the people there,” Modi said “In this hour of crisis, India is ready to help Sri Lanka in whatever way possible.”

U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May said: “We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practice their faith in fear.”

The embassy of China and other countries cautioned its citizens to be extra vigilant in Colombo.

CGTN’s Wang Guan spoke with Roel Raymond on the attacks in Sri Lanka. Raymond is an Associate Editor at Roar Media, a knowledge platform that offers coverage and analysis of current affairs, business, lifestyle, technology, arts, and culture in South Asia.