Pope Francis prays for victims of Orlando massacre

Father Federico Lombardi SJ, director of the Vatican Press Office has issued a statement saying Pope Francis is "shocked and saddened" at the 'homicidal folly and senseless hatred' of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, yesterday that has claimed the lives of at least 50 people.

The official English translation follows:

"The terrible massacre that has taken place in Orlando, with its dreadfully high number of innocent victims, has caused in Pope Francis, and in all of us, the deepest feelings of horror and condemnation, of pain and turmoil before this new manifestation of homicidal folly and senseless hatred. Pope Francis joins the families of the victims and all of the injured in prayer and in compassion. Sharing in their indescribable suffering he entrusts them to the Lord so they may find comfort. We all hope that ways may be found, as soon as possible, to effectively identify and contrast the causes of such terrible and absurd violence which so deeply upsets the desire for peace of the American people and of the whole of humanity."

The attack, which took place early Sunday in a crowded nightclub, was perpetrated by 28 year-old Omar Mateen, wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun.
Authorities are now investigating the attack as an act of terrorism. IS has claimed that Mateen was one of their operatives. Mateen was shot dead by police. He was an American-born man whose parents came from Afghanistan.

Officials said at least 53 other people were hospitalized, most in critical condition. The massacre is said to be the largest mass-shooting in US history. A surgeon at Orlando Regional Medical Center said the death toll was likely to climb.

LGBT Catholics, parents and families, gathered at London's Farm Street Jesuit Church for their regular 2nd Sunday Mass on 12 June, prayed in the Bidding Prayers:

We pray for the 50 people who lost their lives this morning in the terror attack on the gay night-club in Florida. for the injured, and for their families an d loved ones. May the risen Christ be with all who have most need of him.

Source: Vatican Radio