VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI was praying for the relatives of the victims of the "senseless" U.S. university shooting, he said Tuesday, also asking that they may have the strength to forgive.
In a telegram of condolences, Benedict said he was deeply saddened by the shooting at Virginia Tech.
"In the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, he asks God our father to console all those who mourn and to grant them that spiritual strength which triumphs over violence by the power of forgiveness, hope and reconciling love," said the telegram, which was signed by the Vatican No. 2, Cardinal Tarciso Bertone.
It was sent to Bishop Francis DiLorenzo of Richmond, Virginia.
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox