The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of the shooting in Monterey Park, California, United States of America, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles:

Telegram of the Holy Father

THE MOST REVEREND JOSÉ H. GOMEZ

ARCHBISHOP OF LOS ANGELES

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS WAS SADDENED TO BE INFORMED OF THE SHOOTING THAT TOOK PLACE IN MONTEREY PARK. ASSURING THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGEDY OF HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS, HIS HOLINESS JOINS THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY IN COMMENDING THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO DIED TO ALMIGHTY GOD’S LOVING MERCY AND HE IMPLORES THE DIVINE GIFTS OF HEALING AND CONSOLATION UPON THE INJURED AND BEREAVED. AS A PLEDGE OF STRENGTH AND PEACE IN THE LORD, THE HOLY FATHER SENDS HIS BLESSING.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

SECRETARY OF STATE