Pope Francis is mourning the tragic Church shooting in Hanau, Germany.

In a statement issued today Feb. 21 by the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, the Roman Pontiff expressed his sadness after nine people were shot dead  in the German town of Hanau, near Frankurt, on Wednesday evening. The attack had targeted two shisha bars.

The Pope’s telegram was sent on his behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin and addressed to Archbishop Michael Gerber of Fulda.

“Having learned of the terrible act of violence in Hanau, which claimed innocent people’s lives, the Holy Father Pope Francis was deeply affected,” the telegram began.

“His Holiness,” it continued, “manifests his participation in the mourning of family members, ensuring his closeness to their pain.”

The telegram concluded, saying: “in prayer, Pope Francis entrusts the dead to the mercy of God and implores Christ, the Lord of life, so that those mourning will find consolation and trust, and be accompanied by the blessing and peace of God.”

Below is a working Zenit translation of the Pope’s telegram, which was sent in German:

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To His Most Reverend Excellency

Archbishop Michael Gerber

Bishop of Fulda

Having learned of the terrible act of violence in Hanau, which claimed innocent people’s lives, the Holy Father Pope Francis was deeply affected. His Holiness manifests his participation in the mourning of family members, ensuring his closeness to their pain. In prayer, Pope Francis entrusts the deceased to the mercy of God and implores Christ, the Lord of life, so that those mourning will find consolation and trust, and be accompanied by the blessing and peace of God.”

[Original text: German, with Italian translation]
[Working translation by Zenit’s Deborah Castellano Lubov]

 

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