The Pope is with us

In the midst of the unspeakable tragedy that occurred Friday morning in Newtown, Connecticut, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI spoke directly to American pilgrims in Rome today following his Angelus address.  In said:

I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present at today’s Angelus. I was deeply saddened by Friday’s senseless violence in Newtown, Connecticut. I assure the families of the victims, especially those who lost a child, of my closeness in prayer. May the God of consolation touch their hearts and ease their pain. During this Advent Season, let us dedicate ourselves more fervently to prayer and to acts of peace. Upon those affected by this tragedy, and upon each of you, I invoke God’s abundant blessings!

You can listen to his words here.

These words of the Holy Father come after the following telegram was sent by His Eminence Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone, Secretary of State, to the Diocese of Bridgeport:

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.

In our confusion and pain, the closeness of the Holy Father, and of many men and women of good will, both those within and without the communion of the Church, are a source of comfort.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace!