Pope prays for Poland after fatal shooting in Krakow

Our Lady of Rokitno

Source: Vatican Media, Polish Bishops Conference

Pope Leo XIV has expressed his profound sadness for the lives lost and those injured in a shooting that took place in the main square of Krakow, Poland, yesterday.

The Pope sent a telegram of condolences signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin on the Pope's behalf to the Archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Grzegorz Rys.

On November 7, a gunman opened fire on people in Krakow's historic main Market Square, killing six people and injuring 15 others before being shot and apprehended by police. Polish authorities are investigating the attack.

The Pope's message reads: "Deeply saddened upon learning of the deaths and injuries caused by the shooting that took place in Krakow.." the Pope expresses his "spiritual closeness in the Risen Christ to all those affected by this tragedy."

Invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Poland, the Holy Father implored the gift of Christian hope "for the families overcome with grief" and joined with all those experiencing these days of mourning.

While assuring them of his prayers, Pope Leo imparted his Apostolic Blessing and urged all people to persevere tirelessly in the pursuit of peace and harmony.

In a separate message, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, Archbishop Emeritus of Krakow, expressed his profound grief and joined in spirit with the people of Krakow, whom Cardinal Rys had invited to pray following the shooting.

At Mass in his chapel on Sunday morning, he and those present remembered the dead and prayed for the swift recovery of the wounded, according to his message.

Cardinal Dziwisz expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and the loved ones of those injured, and thanked those who risked their own lives to save others.

"We entrust all those who suffer to the Blessed Mother, whom we invoke in the Litany as 'Health of the Sick'," he said. "May our common prayer for peace and for the strength to overcome evil with good rise to God."