Pope Francis: close to Kenyan victims of university attack

(Vatican Radio)  Pope Francis has sent a message to the Catholic Bishops Conference of Kenya expressing his spiritual closeness to the families of victims of Thursday’s early morning attack by Islamist militants on Garissa University College in Kenya.  At least 147 young people died in the attack by Al Shebaab gunmen from Somalia.  Many of the victims were Christian students who were executed at the start of the assault after they were separated from their Muslim colleagues.

Below, please find the text of the message written on behalf of Pope Francis by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin:

His Eminence Cardinal John Njue, 

President of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Nairobi                                                                                                                                    

Deeply saddened by the immense and tragic loss of life caused by the recent attack on the Garissa University College, the Holy Father sends assurances of his prayers and spiritual closeness to the families of the victims and to all Kenyans at this painful time.  He commends the souls of the deceased to the infinite mercy of Almighty God, and he prays that all who mourn them will be comforted in their loss.  In union with all people of good will throughout the world, His Holiness condemns this act of senseless brutality and prays for a change of heart among its perpetrators.  He calls upon all those in authority to redouble their efforts to work with all men and women in Kenya to bring an end to such violence and to hasten the dawn of a new era of brotherhood, justice and peace.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Secretary of State