Pope Francis sends condolences to Miami shooting victims

In the communication signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope conveys his spiritual closeness to all those affected by the attack.

He also prays that “Almighty God may grant eternal rest to the dead and healing and consolation to the wounded and those who grieve.”

At least 17 people were killed and others wounded after a 19-year-old former student at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida opened fire at the campus.

It was the sixth school shooting in 2018 that has either injured or killed students in the US.

Please find the full message below:

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