Pope Francis prays for victims of Texas shootings

By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis has expressed his deep sadness in learning of the tragic shooting that took place at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

In a telegram sent to Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio and signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, the Pope assured “those affected by this attack of his spiritual closeness,” and “joins the entire community in commending the souls of those children and teachers who died to Almighty God’s loving mercy,” imploring “the divine gifts of healing and consolation upon the injured and bereaved.”

The message concludes, “with firm faith in the Risen Christ, through whom every evil will be overcome by good (cf. Rom 12:21), he prays that those tempted to violence will choose instead the path of fraternal solidarity and love.” The Pope offered his blessing, “as a pledge of strength and peace in the lord.”