French security forces end hostage crises

(Vatican Radio) Key members of the French government will meet Saturday morning to decide on new measures aimed at thwarting a repeat of the attacks in Paris that culminated in a massacre of 12 people at a satirical newspaper, and a supermarket bloodbath that left four hostages dead.

Listen to Christopher Wells' report:

With explosions and gunfire, security forces Friday ended the three days of terror, killing the two al-Qaida-linked brothers who staged a murderous rampage at the Charlie Hebdo newspaper and an accomplice who seized hostages at a kosher supermarket to try to help the brothers escape.

French President Francois Hollande expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and thanked the police for their bravery; he also called for unity as the nation mourns the dead.

World leaders have telephoned the French President to express their personal sympathies. Germany's Angela Merkel, Britain's David Cameron as well as Italy's Matteo Renzi, and Spain's Mariano Rajoy are also  expected to join in a unity rally in central Paris on Sunday.

Seventeen people died in the attacks, and three terrorists were also killed. A fourth suspect, Hayat Boumeddiene — the common law wife of the market attacker — is still at large and believed to be armed.