«Profoundly dismayed by the tragic attack carried out during the celebration of Holy Mass in the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Campinas, Pope Francis entrusts the victims to God’s mercy and assures his solidarity and spiritual consolation to the families who lost their loved ones and to all the Archdiocesan Community…’
Pope Francis expressed this in his condolences to the loved ones and victims of those affected by the tragic shooting in Brazil last evening.
In the message sent Dec. 12, 2018, on the Pope’s behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope assures those suffering of his prayers, thanks those responding to the tragedy and commends the souls of those who died to the merciful love of almighty God.
A man entered the cathedral at 1:15 pm on December 11, at the end of the 12:15 mass, firing on the still praying assembly, he killed four people before turning the weapon against him.
The Pope stressed he is «profoundly dismayed» by the «dramatic attack» that took place during Mass in the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Campinas, and entrusted the victim’s to God’s mercy. The Holy Father expressed his solidarity and spiritual consolation to the bereaving families and to the entire diocesan community.
Praying for a «quick recovery» for all the wounded, Francis invited everyone «in these moments of pain,» to «find solace and strength in the risen Jesus.»
«In face of this moment of grief, the Holy Father invites all to find comfort and strength in Jesus resurrected, praying to God that hope will not grow faint in this hour of trial and make forgiveness and love prevail over hatred and vengeance.»
Brazil’s Episcopal Conference has stated it does not know reasons for this violence, but launches a call to lay down arms, namely «those of the ‘hands’ not those of ‘hearts.'»
Below is a Zenit-provided translation of the Holy Father’s telegram, sent in Portuguese:
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Most Reverend Diocesan Administrator
Archdiocese of Campinas
Profoundly dismayed by the tragic attack carried out during the celebration of Holy Mass in the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Campinas, Pope Francis entrusts the victims to God’s mercy and assures his solidarity and spiritual consolation to the families who lost their loved ones and to all the Archdiocesan Community, with wishes for the speedy recovery of the wounded. In face of this moment of grief, the Holy Father invites all to find comfort and strength in Jesus resurrected, praying to God that hope will not grow faint in this hour of trial and make forgiveness and love prevail over hatred and vengeance. To confirm these wishes, Pope Francis grants to all a comforting Apostolic Blessing
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State of His Holiness
[Original text: English]
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