The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of the shooting that took place on Monday in a school in Nashville, United States of America, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the Bishop Joseph Mark Spalding of Nashville:

Telegram

THE MOST REVEREND

JOSEPH MARK SPALDING

BISHOP OF NASHVILLE

DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE RECENT SHOOTING AT THE COVENANT SCHOOL IN NASHVILLE, HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS ASKS YOU TO CONVEY HIS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES AND THE ASSURANCE OF HIS PRAYERS TO ALL AFFECTED BY THIS SENSELESS ACT OF VIOLENCE. HE JOINS THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY IN MOURNING THE CHILDREN AND ADULTS WHO DIED AND COMMENDS THEM TO THE LOVING EMBRACE OF THE LORD JESUS. HE LIKEWISE INVOKES THE CONSOLATION AND STRENGTH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT UPON THE GRIEVING FAMILIES AND PRAYS THAT THEY WILL BE CONFIRMED IN THEIR FAITH IN THE POWER OF THE RISEN LORD TO HEAL EVERY HURT AND TO BRING GOOD OUT OF UNSPEAKABLE EVIL.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

SECRETARY OF STATE