Pope prays for victims of Wisconsin tragedy

By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis said he is close to all those who have been affected by a tragic incident caused by a driver who ploughed through a Christmas parade in Waukesha in the suburbs of Milwaukee on Sunday.

In a telegram, signed on his behalf by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope assures the community where the incident took place of his spiritual closeness and prayers.

Commending the souls of those who died to Almighty God’s loving mercy, he says he “implores the divine gifts of healing and consolation upon the injured and bereaved.”

Concluding the telegram, the Pope says he is praying the Lord “to bestow upon everyone the spiritual strength which triumphs over violence and overcomes evil with good.”

The tragedy

Late Sunday afternoon, the driver of a red SUV reportedly roared through a Christmas parade in the suburban Milwaukee town of Waukesha, killing at least five people and leaving 48 injured.

According to authorities, the driver who is in Police custody, had left the scene of a domestic dispute and did not appear to know anyone in the parade when he drove into the route.

The Archbishop’s solidarity

In a statement shortly after the tragedy, Archbishop Jerome Listecki of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, said he is standing in solidarity with those who have been affected by this senseless act.

“When confronted with the shock and the grief encountered by our brothers and sisters in Waukesha, it is now important for us to turn to our faith which offers us God’s loving presence and consolation,” he said.

Archbishop Listecki asked for prayers for all those involved, their families and those who are traumatized from witnessing the horrible scene, and he noted that "Among the injured are one of our Catholic priests, as well as multiple parishioners and Waukesha Catholic school children."

“I know that people of every faith and tradition will call their communities together and offer to God, their sense of confidence in his ability to guide us through this difficult period and offer hope and healing,” he said.