Pope saddened by mass shooting in Prague

Prague - by Cecilia Rodríguez Suárez on Unsplash

Source: Vatican News/CBCEW

Pope Francis has said he is "deeply saddened" by the mass shooting in the Czech Republic in 14 people were killed and 25 were injured. In a telegram sent following the attack at Charles University in Prague, the Pope expressed his "spiritual closeness to all affected by this tragedy."

Signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope's message entrusted "those who have died to the loving mercy of Almighty God" and invokes "divine strength and consolation upon their grieving families and friends."

Pope Francis also assured the nation of "his prayers at this difficult time."

The gunman himself also died in the attack, the worst of its kind in the Czech Republic's history.

Police have so far given no details about the motive for the violence, which occurred in the philosophy department building, where the shooter was a student. They did say, however, that they believe the shooter had killed his father earlier on the same day.

In a statement, Charles University said: "We mourn the loss of life of members of our university community, express our deepest condolences to all the bereaved and our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragedy."

Cardinal Vincent Nichols has written to Mgr Tibor Borovsky, Chaplain to Czech and Slovak Catholics, to offer his heartfelt condolences and prayers.

In his message, he says: "I am writing to offer my heartfelt condolences to those in your community who knew any of the people who died or were injured in the shooting at the arts faculty of Charles University in Prague, yesterday.

"May God grant strength and enduring faith to all who are bereaved, injured and traumatised. May God welcome into his merciful presence all who have died and may they rest in peace. May God turn the hearts of all who commit evil to a true understanding of his desire and intention for humanity."