Pope Francis expressed his deep sorrow for the victims of various shootings that have occurred in recent days in the country. The Holy Father sent a telegram of condolences to the Archbishop of Belgrade (Serbia), Msgr. Ladislav Nemet.
In the message, signed by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, it is indicated that the Holy Father is “deeply saddened by the news of the recent shootings at the Vladislav Ribnikar elementary school in Belgrade and in the town of Mladenovac.”
In the face of the tragedy, the Pontiff expresses his condolences and conveys ” the assurance of his prayers to all those affected by these senseless acts of violence .”
In addition, the Pope “spiritually joins the human pain of those who mourn the death of the innocent victims to whom he consigns the loving embrace of the Risen Lord.”
Finally, the Holy Father, “while invoking the consolation and strength of the Holy Spirit on bereaved families and the wounded, so that they may be sustained in their faith, imparts the comforting apostolic blessing.”
On the night of Thursday, May 4, at least 8 people were killed and 14 injured after a shooting took place in Dubona, some 50 kilometers south of Belgrade.