Vatican News
In connection with the tragic events in Krakow, President of the Republic of Poland Karol Nawrocki has initiated the formal procedure to declare national mourning, which will be in effect on November 8 and 9, announced presidential spokesman Rafał Leśkiewicz. The draft decree on this matter has been countersigned by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
In the Main Market Square, an attacker firing from a car killed six people and wounded sixteen. Among the critically injured are two police officers who prevented a larger massacre.
The President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda, wrote in a statement that he is deeply shaken by the tragedy. “I spiritually unite with and support in prayer all who have suffered in this exceptionally brutal act. May God grant eternal rest to the deceased, and the grace of recovery to those remaining in hospitals. I also support in prayer the families of the victims, the doctors caring for the wounded, and the services that are currently trying to restore order at the scene. I am with you spiritually and remain in prayerful communion,” wrote the KEP President.
The Metropolitan of Krakow, Card. Grzegorz Ryś, wrote in a message to the faithful that in such a moment we must be together. The last word cannot belong to hatred. “In this same spirit, I invite you, Sisters and Brothers, to a special Holy Mass – in the Market Square, at St. Mary’s Church – tomorrow, Sunday, at 4:00 PM,” writes the Metropolitan of Krakow.
“I invite everyone who wishes to clearly and jointly show their closeness to the victims, but also to Christianly express their opposition to hatred and violence,” adds Card. Grzegorz Ryś.
The Metropolitan of Warsaw, Archbishop Adrian Galbas, also appealed for unity in these difficult moments. “Shocked by what happened in Krakow, I pray for eternal life for the deceased, for health for the wounded, and for their loved ones to endure these terrible moments. As Cardinal Grzegorz asked: let us be together!” he wrote on social media.
