The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of the mass shooting which took place in Lewiston, United States of America, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to Bishop Robert Deeley of Portland:

Telegram

THE MOST REVEREND ROBERT DEELEY
BISHOP OF PORTLAND

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS WAS DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE TERRIBLE LOSS OF LIFE RESULTING FROM THE MASS SHOOTING IN LEWISTON, AND HE EXPRESSES HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS TO ALL THOSE SUFFERING FROM THIS UNSPEAKABLE TRAGEDY, ESPECIALLY THE FAMILIES WHO LOST LOVED ONES. HIS HOLINESS COMMENDS THE SOULS OF THE DEAD TO THE LOVING MERCY OF ALMIGHTY GOD AND HE PRAYS FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE WOUNDED AND THE MEDICAL PERSONNEL CARING FOR THEM. HE LIKEWISE COMMENDS THE NOBLE EFFORTS OF FIRST RESPONDERS WHO PUT THEMSELVES IN HARM’S WAY TO PROTECT THE COMMUNITY. WITH FIRM TRUST THAT AIDED BY GOD’S GRACE WE CAN OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD (CF.ROM12:21), THE HOLY FATHER INVOKES UPON THE PEOPLE OF LEWISTON AND INDEED THE ENTIRE COUNTRY, ALMIGHTY GOD’S BLESSINGS OF STRENGTH AND PEACE.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE