Pope “deeply saddened” by shooting at Prague university

By Joseph Tulloch

Pope Francis has said he is “deeply saddened” by the recent mass shooting in the Czech Republic.

In a telegram sent following the attack, which took place at Charles University in Prague, the Pope expressed his “spiritual closeness to all affected by this tragedy.”

Signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope's message entrusted "those who have died to the loving mercy of Almighty God" and invokes "divine strength and consolation upon their grieving families and friends."

Pope Francis also assured the nation of "his prayers at this difficult time.”

Worst mass shooting in Czech history

On Thursday, a student opened fire at Charles University in Prague, killing 14 people and wounding more than 20.

The gunman himself also died in the attack, the worst of its kind in the Czech Republic’s history. 

Police have so far given no details about the motive for the violence, which occurred in the philosophy department building, where the shooter was a student. They did say, however, that they believe the shooter had killed his father earlier on the same day.

In a statement, Charles University said, “We mourn the loss of life of members of our university community, express our deepest condolences to all the bereaved and our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragedy."