VATICAN : POPE : CLOSENESS IN PRAYER TO VICTIMS IN CONNECTICUT

The following Telegram was sent to the Diocese of Bridgeport on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI when he was informed of the horrific shooting attack in Connecticut in which a gunman killed 26 people, including 20 children.

"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. In the aftermath of this senseless tragedy he asks God, our Father, to console allthose 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." 

Cardinal Tarcisio Berton,
Secretary of State
VATICAN