The Holy Father on November 7, 2017, sent condolences for the victims of the massacre in a Baptist church in Texas. The Pope’s message was conveyed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, in a telegram to Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio.
“Deeply grieved by news of the loss of life and grave injuries caused by the act of senseless violence perpetrated at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, the Holy Father asks you kindly to convey his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the wounded, to the members of the congregation, and to the entire local community,” the telegram said.
The massacre took place on November 5 in a Baptist church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Twenty-six people died and more than 20 were wounded.
Telegram
The Most Reverend Gustavo Garcia-Siller
Archbishop of San Antonio
Deeply grieved by news of the loss of life and grave injuries caused by the act of senseless violence perpetrated at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, the Holy Father asks you kindly to convey his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the wounded, to the members of the congregation, and to the entire local community. He asks our Lord Jesus Christ to console all who mourn and to grant them the spiritual strength that triumphs over violence and hatred by the power of forgiveness, hope and reconciling love.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
© Libreria Editrice Vatican
