14 People Killed in a Mass Shooting in Prague, Czech Republic - Pope Francis sends Condolences

On December 21st, 2023, at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University, on Jan Palach Square in central Prague, Czech Republic, 14 people were killed in a mass shooting by a postgraduate history student at the school. Another 25 were injured, 3 of them foreigners. The perpetrator killed himself after a shoot-out with police. Before the shooting, his father was found dead at his home in Hostouň. The perpetrator was considered one of several suspects in a double murder case that took place six days earlier, but the lead investigator stated that the police did not manage to act in time to prevent the attack. The incident is the deadliest mass murder in modern Czech history. The shooter's name was David Kozak.

In a telegram sent following the attack, Pope Francis expressed his “spiritual closeness to all affected by this tragedy.” It was signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope's message said that he entrusted "those who have died to the loving mercy of Almighty God" and invoked "divine strength and consolation upon their grieving families and friends." Pope Francis also assured the nation of "his prayers at this difficult time.”  Pope Francis expressed his “spiritual closeness” to the victims of a mass shooting in the Czech capital of Prague, and entrusts “those who have died to the loving mercy of Almighty God.” Pope Francis has said he is “deeply saddened” by the recent mass shooting in the Czech Republic.

Archbishop Jan Graubner on the tragedy at the Faculty of Philosophy of the Charles University

We present the statement of Archbishop Jan Graubner of Prague, the chairman of the ČBK, on ​​the tragedy at the FF UK.
It was with deep sadness that I heard the news about the shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague, where more than 15 people lost their lives and many others were injured.
I express my sincere condolences and deep regret to the survivors of all the victims and assure them of our closeness.
I pray for the dead, their families, loved ones and friends, and also for the healing of all the injured. I am asking the Lord to bring comfort to everyone in this pre-Christmas season and to help overcome the pain and sadness.
Priests of the Prague Archdiocese are available to provide everyone with spiritual support and advice.

+ Jan Graubner, Archbishop of Prague

Sources: BBC - Wikipedia - Archdiocese of Prague - Vatican News

https://www.cirkev.cz/arcibiskup-jan-graubner-k-tragedii-na-filosoficke-fakulte-uk_30930