Pope Francis is asking God to help the families in Nashville keep their faith in the Risen Lord: that he has the power "to heal every hurt and to bring good out of unspeakable evil."
The Holy Father expressed this prayer in a note sent by his Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to the bishop of Nashville, Joseph Mark Spalding.
A shooter on Monday fired her way into a small Christian school affiliated with a Presbyterian church in Nashville, and killed three 9-year-old children and three adults, before she was killed by police.
Calling it a "senseless act of violence," the Pope's note says that he "joins the entire community in mourning ... and commends them to the loving embrace of the Lord Jesus."
"He likewise invokes the consolation and strength of the Holy Spirit upon the grieving families," the note continues.
The shooter was identified as Audrey Elizabeth Hale, age 28. She was a former student at the school, though how many years ago is not certain. Police have found maps and plans of the attack, but there is no clear motive so far.
Hale had been in treatment for an "emotional disorder," Nashville Police Chief John Drake said Tuesday. It is not clear since when, but Hale identified as transgender and used male pronouns on social media.
The entire incident took about 14 minutes. Hale had two assault-style weapons and a handgun, all of which were legally purchased.
