Pope Francis sends telegram mourning the victims of the Florida High School shooting

Pope Francis Mourns Florida High School Shooting Victims

Francis Appeals for Senseless Acts of Violence to Cease

February 15, 2018Deborah Castellano LubovPope and Holy See

Pope Francis has condemned the tragic and senseless shooting in Florida.

In a telegram sent to the Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on the Pope’s behalf, Francis expressed his deep sadness for the tragic event.

Yesterday, Feb. 14, 2018, Nikolas Cruz, 19, went on a shooting rampage, killing 17 and wounding more than 15, including students and teachers, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, north of Miami.
In the telegram, the Pope assured all those affected by the “devastating attack” of his spiritual closeness, praying that Almighty God grant eternal rest to the dead and healing and consolation to the wounded and those who grieve.
Before Pope Francis invoked upon all involved divine blessings of peace and strength, he expressed his hope “that such senseless acts of violence may cease.”

Here is the Vatican-provided text of the Pope’s telegram:

***

The Most Reverend Thomas Gerard Wenski
Archbishop of Miami
His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic shooting that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Assuring all those affected by this devastating attack of his spiritual closeness, he prays that Almighty God may grant eternal rest to the dead and healing and consolation to the wounded and those who grieve. With the hope that such senseless acts of violence may cease, Pope Francis invokes upon all of you the divine blessings of peace and strength.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State