POPE Francis has condemned the “senseless” mass shooting that killed seven people and injured at least 40 others at a Fourth of July parade in Chicago on Monday.
In a telegram sent to Chicago Archbishop Cardinal Blasé Cupich, Pope Francis said he joined “the entire community in praying that Almighty God will grant eternal rest to the dead and healing and consolation to the injured and bereaved”.
He prayed “that every member of society will reject violence in all of its forms and respect life in all of its stages”.
He concluded his message with an Apostolic Blessing “as a pledge of strength and peace in the Lord”.
A suspect from Highland Park was apprehended late Monday in connection with the shooting and faces first-degree murder charges.
The alleged shooter legally bought two high-powered rifles and opened fire from a rooftop along the Independence Day parade route.
In a statement, Cardinal Cupich said he was praying for the victims and first responders and condemned gun violence.
“The right to bear arms does not eclipse the right to life, or the right of all Americans to go about their lives free of the fear that they might be shredded by bullets at any moment,” he said.
“Gun violence is a life issue.
“We must continue to pray that all our officials, elected and unelected alike, will redouble their commitment to keeping safe the people they have sworn to serve.”
