MONTREAL — A 26-year old man has been charged with attempted murder in the stabbing of a Catholic priest during morning mass at Montreal's St. Joseph's Oratory on Friday. Vlad Cristian Eremia, who appeared in a Montreal courtroom via videoconference Saturday afternoon, is also charged with assault with a weapon for allegedly attacking the Oratory's 77-year-old rector with a knife. Eremia, who wore a blue-and-white checked shirt, did not speak during his brief appearance other to confirm he was represented by a legal aid lawyer. Earlier Saturday, the priest who was stabbed expressed gratitude for the support he's received from the public. Spokeswoman Danielle Decelles said Montreal police would also provide an increased presence in the coming days to ensure worshippers feel safe.

Source: Huffington Post March 23, 2019 21:11 UTC