(CNN) -- Here are some reactions to the news Thursday afternoon that Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was killed by his captors in Pakistan:

'Beyond our comprehension'

Spokesman Gary Foster, reading a statement from the family

"We were shocked and saddened at the confirmation that our worst fears had been realized. Up until a few hours ago we were confident that Danny would return safely, for we believed that no human being would be capable of harming such a gentle soul. Danny's senseless murder lies beyond our comprehension. Danny was a beloved son, brother, uncle and husband, and father to a child who will never know him. A musician, a writer, a storyteller and a bridge-builder. Danny was the walking sunshine of truth, humor, friendship and compassion. We grieve with the many who have known him in his life and we weep with a world that must reckon with his death."

'An act of barbarism'

Wall Street Journal Managing Editor Paul Steiger

"We are heartbroken at his death. Danny was an outstanding colleague, a great reporter, and a dear friend of many at the Journal. His murder is an act of barbarism that makes a mockery of everything Danny's kidnappers claimed to believe in. They claimed to be Pakistani nationalists, but their actions must surely bring shame to all true Pakistani patriots. We will, in coming months, find ways, public and private, to celebrate the great work and good works Danny did. But today is a day to grieve. This loss is, of course, most painful for Danny's family, in this country and elsewhere. We ask our colleagues in the press to respect their privacy, and to permit them to grieve undisturbed. "

'Important work in places that are sometimes dangerous'

U.S. President George W. Bush

"Laura and I and the American people are deeply saddened to learn about the loss of Daniel Pearl's life. And we're really sad for his wife and his parents and his friends and colleagues, who have been clinging to hope for weeks that he'd be found alive. We're especially sad for his unborn child, who now will now know his father only through the memory of others. All Americans are sad and angry to learn of the murder. All around the world, American journalists and humanitarian aid workers and diplomats and others do important work in places that are sometimes dangerous. Those who will threaten Americans, those who will engage in criminal barbaric acts, need to know that these crimes only hurt their cause, and only deepen the resolve of the United States of America to rid the world of these agents of terror. May God bless Daniel Pearl."

'It's going to be difficult for us.'

Chris Rumore, Journal employee

"I'm sure we're all going to be grieving. In the next couple of weeks, we're going to be having the meetings and talk more about and celebrate his life and find some positive thing and realize that his life was about taking people that were very different than him and -- his wife said it the best -- their lives were based on dialogues between civilizations, and unfortunately he became a casualty of that...it's going to be very difficult for us."

'The world lost a good one today'

"Music was a big part of our friendship, but it wasn't the only part. Danny was the textbook definition of the term 'good friend.' He would do anything for you. Anyone who knew Danny knew this and knew the kind, gentle spirit he possessed ... The world lost a good one today, and I am deeply saddened by it." -- Todd Mack, friend and colleague

'As Americans we remain steadfast'

"I want to extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Daniel Pearl's wife Mariane and his family during this difficult time. Daniel Pearl's murder serves as a stark reminder that the face of terrorism is brutal and cruel. Daniel Pearl was caught up in the conflict between our free and democratic society and a hateful plague that seeks to destroy our freedoms. Daniel Pearl devoted his life to the noble pursuit of informing our free and open society. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for his commitment to that freedom. As Americans, we remain steadfast in our fight against terrorism. We will bring to justice terrorists who kill innocent Americans."

'Senseless and pointless'

Terry Anderson, Committee to Protect Journalists

"Those who murdered him gained absolutely nothing. There was no purpose to his death, political or otherwise. They didn't even gain publicity for the cause that they supposedly espouse. On the contrary, they discredit their cause, they discredit everyone who uses religion to justify violence. It's just such a senseless and pointless murder that it's outrageous. Anybody who kidnaps a reporter or any civilian for political purposes is committing truly a terrorist act, and they need to be caught and prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law. We call on the Pakistani government to do exactly that -- to use all of their resources to catch the people who kidnapped and murdered Danny Pearl and hold them to account."