Worldwide Moments of Silence Follow Brussels Terror Attack

— -- People from around the world stood for a moment in silence to honor those affected by a moment of sheer terror.

U.S. and foreign dignitaries across the globe mourned the victims of the bombings in Brussels that claimed at least 31 lives and injured dozens more.

The Belgian government invited its citizens to observe a minute of silence today at noon.

At the Vatican today, during his weekly general assembly, Pope Francis said it was with an “aching heart” that he followed the news of the terrorist attacks.

“I once again appeal to all people of good will to unite in the unanimous condemnation of these cruel abominations that are causing only death, terror and horror,” his holiness said.

The pontiff ended his appeal by leading the crowd in praying a Hail Mary, and asking them to pray, in silence, for the dead, wounded, their families and for the Belgian people.

Today’s recognition followed House Speaker Paul Ryan’s brief moment of silence Tuesday for the victims of the attacks at the U.S. House of Representatives.

In Cuba Tuesday, President Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro stood in a moment of silence during a jammed-packed stadium in the lead up to a baseball game in Havana.

During the third inning of the Tampa Bay-Cuba baseball game, Obama said to ESPN that he had spoken with the Belgium prime minister and that he was praying for the lives lost and hoped for a speedy recovering for those injured.

“This is one more example of why the entire world has to unite against these terrorists,” Obama said

ABC News’ Matthew Foster and Serena Marshall contributed to this report.