Pope Francis told the Archbishop of Chicago he was “deeply saddened” by the July 4 parade shooting in Highland Park and urged society to reject violence in all of its forms.
The pope, in a telegram to Cardinal Blase Cupich, described the shooting that killed six and wounded dozens as a “senseless” act and asked the cardinal to relay his spiritual closeness to those affected.
Pope Francis said he “joins the entire community in praying that Almighty God will grant eternal rest to the dead and healing and consolation to the injured and bereaved,” according to Vatican News.