Vatican Radio released a telegram, sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, on behalf of Pope Francis, to Cardinal Sean O’Malley, archbishop of Boston, concerning the bombing at the Boston Marathon on Monday:
Deeply grieved by news of the loss of life and grave injuries caused by the act of violence perpetrated last evening in Boston, His Holiness Pope Francis wishes me to assure you of his sympathy and closeness in prayer. In the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, His Holiness invokes God’s peace upon the dead, his consolation upon the suffering and his strength upon all those engaged in the continuing work of relief and response. At this time of mourning the Holy Father prays that all Bostonians will be united in a resolve not to be overcome by evil, but to combat evil with good (cf. Romans 12:21), working together to build an ever more just, free and secure society for generations yet to come.
O’Malley released a statement Monday following the bombing at the Boston Marathon. The cardinal expressed “deep sorrow following the senseless acts of violence:”
Our prayers and concern are with so many who experienced the trauma of these acts, most especially the loved ones of those whose lives were lost and those who were injured, and the injured themselves.
O’Malley said that “in the midst of the darkness of this tragedy we turn to the light of Jesus Christ, the light that was evident in the lives of people who immediately turned to help those in need today.”
Catholic News Agency reports that, on its Facebook page and on Twitter, the archdiocese wrote:
As reports of death and injuries are reported, we ask you to please turn to the Lord each time to pray for them and for those who love them that they would receive the consolation of the Holy Spirit, the mercy of God, and the loving maternal embrace of our Blessed Mother.
Pope Francis recently appointed O’Malley to the newly-created Papal Advisory Group for the reform of the Roman Curia. He is the only American cardinal appointed.
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