Pope: Shocked and Saddened by deaths in U.S.




July 23. 2012. (Romereports.com) From his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, the Pope said his thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Aurora, Denver, where at least a dozen people were shot to death and more than 50 were wounded during a movie screening.

“I share the distress of the families and friends of the victims and the injured, especially the children," said the Pope. "Assuring all of you of my closeness in prayer, I impart my blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength in the risen Lord.”

The Pope also said he was praying for the victims of the recent ferry disaster, near Zanzibar where at least 68 people, many of them tourists, died.

With the Summer Olympics just a few days away, the Pope said he hopes the competition can bring about true sportsmanship and reconciliation among nations.

Benedict XVI
“I send greetings to the organizers, athletes and spectators alike, and I pray that, in the spirit of the Olympic Truce, the good will generated by this international sporting event may bear fruit, promoting peace and reconciliation throughout the world.”

During his Sunday's Angelus, Benedict XVI also reflected on how Jesus is depicted as the “Good Shepard.” The Pope called on people to open themselves by allowing God to guide them through life.
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