Istanbul, Turkey

Armed assailants launched an attack on an Italian church in Istanbul claiming the life of one person, said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

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The attack was carried out by two masked men at around 11:40 (0840 GMT) in the Sariyer district of Istanbul during a religious ceremony, Yerlikaya said.

He then added that a probe has been launched into the incident.

The minister, sharing details about the deceased said that the individual identified as C.T. lost his life in the armed attack while attending Sunday's service.

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"C.T., who was among those participating in the service, was the target of a gun attack by two masked individuals and sadly lost his life," the minister said on social media platform X, referring to the initials of the victim.

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"We strongly condemn this vile attack," he added.

Turkish officials released a statement saying that the assault looked like targetted killing rather than an attack against the Catholic church. 

Local officials said that around 40 people attended the mass, and suggested that there could have been more casualties. 

"After the second shot, the gun didn't work, then they (attackers) ran. At this moment, everyone lied on the floor. There were around 35 to 40 people inside," Sariyer district's mayor Sukru Genc told reporters. 

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expresses condolences 

Turkish President Erdogan expressed condolences over the attack during a phone call with the priest of the Italian church and other local officials. 

He assured that "necessary steps are being taken to catch the perpetrators as soon as possible", according to his office. 

Italian minister 'firmly condemns' attack

The Italian foreign minister denounced the attack backing the Turkish authorities to find the killers.

Antonio Tajani said he expressed his "condolences and firm condemnation" over the attack

Pope expresses support 

Pope Francis on Sunday expressed his support for the Catholic church after the attack, at the end of his weekly Angelus prayer in St Peter's Square at the Vatican.

"I express my closeness to the community of the Santa Maria Church in Istanbul," the Argentine pope said.

(With inputs from agencies)