Pope offers prayers for victims of Connecticut massacre
Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday offered prayers for the victims of the shooting incident that killed more than 20 people, most of them schoolchildren, in Connecticut during the weekend.
Benedict XVI prayed for the victims of the massacre as he addressed pilgrims who gathered at St. Peter’s Square to pray the Angelus, the Vatican news site said.
"I was deeply saddened by Friday’s senseless violence in Newtown, Connecticut. I assure the families of the victims, especially those who lost a child, of my closeness in prayer. May the God of consolation touch their hearts and ease their pain. During this Advent Season, let us dedicate ourselves more fervently to prayer and to acts of peace," the Vatican news site quoted him as saying.
"Upon those affected by this tragedy, and upon each of you, I invoke God’s abundant blessings!" he added.
Benedict XVI first offered last Friday a Message of condolence to the Diocese of Bridgeport where Newtown is part.
On Saturday (Manila time), the Pope conveyed his "heartfelt grief" over a shooting incident in Connecticut.
Radio Vatican reported a telegram was sent to the Diocese of Bridgeport on behalf of Benedict XVI after he was informed of the shooting.
"The Holy Father was promptly informed of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown and he has asked me to convey his heartfelt grief and the assurance of this closeness in prayer to the victims and their families, and to all affected by the shocking event," Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said in the telegram
Bertone also said Benedict XVI has asked God to console those who mourn and to spiritually strengthen the entire community.
The incident had shocked many around the world. In the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino III also relayed his sympathies to the victims and their kin.
Friday's incident was described in earlier reports as one of the worst shooting incidents in US history.
"In the aftermath of this senseless tragedy he asks God, our Father, to console all those who mourn and to sustain the entire community with the spiritual strength which triumphs over violence by the power of forgiveness, hope and reconciling love," Bertone said. — LBG, GMA News
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