Pope Francis is sending his condolences to the victims of the school shooting in Parkland, and praying that "such senseless acts of violence may cease."
The Vatican says Francis sent a telegram Thursday to the archbishop of Miami saying he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the "devastating attack." Francis said he was praying for the dead and wounded and those who are grieving.
The Most Reverend Thomas Gerard Wenski Archbishop of Miami released a statement Thursday:
His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic shooting that took place
at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Assuring all those affected by this
devastating 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. With the
hope that such senseless acts of violence may cease, Pope Francis invokes upon all of you the
divine blessings of peace and strength.
A former student at the Parkland high school opened fire Wednesday with a semi-automatic weapon, killing 17 people, including students, staffers, and adults.
Francis has frequently lashed out at gun manufacturers, calling them "merchants of death."
During his 2015 speech to the U.S. Congress, he called for an end to the arms trade, which he said was fueled by a quest for "money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood."