Two attackers who claimed allegiance to Islamic State (IS) militants killed a priest with a knife inside a Roman Catholic church in France’s Normandy region early on July 26.
Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said two attackers were shot dead by the police when they went outside of the church in St.-Etienne-du-Rouvray.
Authorities said a third suspect was arrested.
French media reports said the attackers slit the throat of an 84-year-old priest namd Jacques Hamel.
Two nuns and some worshippers also reportedly were taken hostage.
The Interior Ministry said one other hostage was injured and was "between life and death."
French President Francois Hollande condemned the killing as a "vile terrorist attack" while the Vatican called it a "barbarous killing."
IS claimed responsibility, saying the killers were IS "soldiers."
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said "the whole of France and all Catholics are wounded. We will stand together."
Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP and Le Monde
