Vatican, Diocese of Bridgeport respond to tragic school shooting

In the wake of today’s horror in Newtown, Connecticut, both the Holy See and the Diocese of Bridgeport—which includes Newtown—have released statements expressing grief and shock and offering prayers and condolences to all those affected by the incident.

From the Vatican:

The Holy Father was promptly informed of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown and he has asked me to convey his heartfelt grief and the assurance of this closeness in prayer to the victims and their families, and to all affected by the shocking event. In the aftermath of this senseless tragedy he asks God, our Father, to console all those who mourn and to sustain the entire community with the spiritual strength which triumphs over violence by the power of forgiveness, hope and reconciling love.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone,

Secretary of State

VATICAN

From the diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Msgr. Jerald A. Doyle:

On behalf of the Diocese of Bridgeport, we offer our prayers and our collective sense of grief, shock and loss after the tragic school shootings in Newtown. Msgr. Robert Weiss, Pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown, and the parish priests and sisters were on the scene ministering to children and families immediately after the shootings. Other priests and chaplains have since joined them in ministering to the families at the school, hospitals and other settings. Representatives from Catholic Charities counseling services are also working with families and will continue to do so in the coming days and weeks. The Catholic Charities team will be available to support teachers and students in area Catholic schools next week. We are all deeply saddened and shocked by this unthinkable tragedy, and our hearts go out to the entire Newtown community. Catholics throughout the Diocese are urged to join us in prayer for the victims and their families.