WATCH: Obama says he is 'heartbroken' by Manchester attack in video with Justin Welby and Angela Merkel

Barack Obama, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Angela Merkel gave a message of support for Manchester. Lambeth Palace/YouTube

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has been joined in a video message by Barack Obama and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel who expressed their sympathies for the victims of the Manchester attack.

The three prominent Christians met in Berlin where tens of thousands have gathered for the Kirchentag, in a series of events marking the 500<sup>th anniversary of the Reformation with Germany's Protestant Church Assembly.

Archbishop Welby said: 'There is so much sympathy here for the people of Manchester and I have the privilege of being with President Obama and with Chancellor Angela Merkel.'

Obama said: 'As a father of two daughters I'm heartbroken by the extraordinary tragedy in Manchester.

'It's unimaginable to think about the cruelty and violence the city has suffered. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

'What I want to emphasise is that through faith and resolve the character of Manchester has shown itself with kindness.

Obama added: 'The entire world is in solidarity with you.'

Welby ends the short video by recalling the words of the Bishop of Manchester David Walker, who said on Tuesday: 'Love conquers hate.'

Obama will travel from Berlin to Edinburgh tomorrow where he will address philanthropy and business leaders.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Who represents you and who do you represent?
Who represents you and who do you represent?

Scripture repeatedly shows that God works through representatives, and the spiritual consequences of their actions often extend far beyond their individual lives.

‘Faith covenant’ has strengthened cooperation with local authorities, report finds
‘Faith covenant’ has strengthened cooperation with local authorities, report finds

A “Faith Covenant” 10 years in the making has played a significant role in strengthening cooperation between faith communities and public authorities across the UK, particularly during times of crisis, an independent evaluation has concluded.

Report warns of continued anti-Christian hostility across Europe during April
Report warns of continued anti-Christian hostility across Europe during April

There were dozens of anti-Christian incidents across Europe in April, including violent attacks during Easter services, church vandalism, desecrations, arson cases, and assaults on clergy and worshippers.

The Bohemian queen who was a catalyst for the English Reformation
The Bohemian queen who was a catalyst for the English Reformation

11 May 2026 is the 660th anniversary of the birth of Anne of Bohemia, wife of King Richard II of England, who played an important role in the history of the English Bible. This is the story …