Holy Father offers prayers and condolences for victims of Thousand Oaks shooting

On Friday morning, Archbishop José H. Gomez received a message of condolence from Pope Francis assuring his “spiritual closeness” to all those affected by the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks that left 13 people dead. Below is the full text of the letter sent to Archbishop Gomez by the apostolic nunciature in Washington:

November 9, 2018

Your Excellency,

In the temporary absence of His Excellency Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio, I write, having been asked by the Secretariat of State, to transmit the following message expressing the condolences of the Holy Father upon hearing of the shooting in Thousand Oaks, California:

The Most Reverend José H. Gomez Archbishop of Los Angeles

His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic shooting that took place in Thousand Oaks, California, and he asks you to assure all those affected by this attack of his spiritual closeness. He prays that Almighty God may grant eternal rest to the dead and healing and consolation to the wounded and those who grieve. Upon all who suffer from this act of violence, the Holy Father invokes the Lord's blessings of peace and strength.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Secretary of State

Assuring you of my prayers, I am, sincerely yours in Christ,

Msgr. Walter Erbi

Charge d' Affaires a.i.

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