Holy Father saddened by California shooting

Pope Francis has expressed his great sadness for the tragic shootings that killed eleven people and injured nine others during Lunar New Year celebrations in Monterey Park, California.

In a telegram sent on the Pope’s behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and addressed to the Archbishop of Los Angeles, Archbishop José H. Gómez, the Holy Father said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the shooting that took place in the US.

Assuring those affected by this tragedy of his spiritual closeness, the Pope said he “joins the entire community in commending the souls of those who died to Almighty God’s loving mercy”.

The Holy Father also implored “the divine gifts of healing and consolation upon the injured and bereaved”.

Pope Francis concluded by sending his Apostolic Blessing “as a pledge of strength and peace in the Lord”.