Pope Benedict XVI says he is praying for those who lost loved ones, especially children, in the U.S. school shootings.
Greeting English-speaking pilgrims in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, Benedict said he was "deeply saddened by Friday's senseless violence" in a small Connecticut town. He prayed for consolation for grieving hearts and assured the families of the victims that he is close to them in prayer.
A gunman killed 20 children and six adults at a school in Newtown, Connecticut, leaving people shocked and grieving around the world.
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