Pope Francis prays for victims of ‘this senseless tragedy’ in Las Vegas

Last updated on: October 2, 2017 at 11:41 am by Deacon Greg Kandra

Pope Francis prays for victims of ‘this senseless tragedy’ in Las Vegas 2017-10-02T11:41:00-04:00 Deacon Greg Kandra

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From Vatican Radio:

Pope Francis has expressed his “spiritual closeness” to victims of the deadly shooting in Las Vegas, which left more than fifty people dead, and hundreds more wounded.

In the telegram addressed to the Bishop Joseph Anthony Pepe of Las Vegas, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said Pope Francis was “deeply saddened” to learn of “this senseless tragedy.” The Holy Father, he said, “commends the He commends the efforts of the police and emergency service personnel, and offers the promise of his prayers for the injured and for all who have died, entrusting them to the merciful love of Almighty God.”

Related: A Prayer for Las Vegas

The attack in Las Vegas is being described as the deadliest mass shooting in United States history. The gunman, identified by police as Stephen Paddock, died at the scene. Police said he fired from the 32nd floor of a Las Vegas Strip casino onto an outdoor country music festival Sunday night.

Below please find the full text of the telegram sent on behalf of Pope Francis:

The Most Reverend Joseph Anthony Pepe
Bishop of Las Vegas

Deeply saddened to learn of the shooting in Las Vegas, Pope Francis sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected by this senseless tragedy. He commends the efforts of the police and emergency service personnel, and offers the promise of his prayers for the injured and for all who have died, entrusting them to the merciful love of Almighty God.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State

Also, the head of the USCCB has issued a statement:

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, also released a statement, saying that “we need to pray and to take care of those who are suffering.”

“In the end, the only response is to do good – for no matter what the darkness, it will never overcome the light,” he said.

“May the Lord of all gentleness surround all those who are suffering from this evil, and for those who have been killed we pray, eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.”

Read the full text here.

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