Bishop Kicanas, who was at an event in the Holy Land during the shooting, said in a Jan. 9 statement that he is “shocked and devastated” by the incident.
“We weep in our sadness, and we seek comfort from each other,” he said. “We pray to be a channel of peace, that where there is hatred we will bring the love of our Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Bishop Kicanas noted the death of Federal Judge John Roll in his remarks, emphasizing his prayers “for the comfort and consolation of Maureen, his wife, their children, and all members of their family.”
The bishop said that Judge Roll “was a person of great faith and great integrity” and lived as “as a devoted parishioner” of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Tucson, often serving at early morning Mass.
“He lived his faith as a servant of our nation for the cause of justice,” Bishop Kicanas said.
In the aftermath of the attack, religious and political leaders across the U.S. are decrying the violence and offering condolences to victims and their families.
"The senseless carnage in Tucson is a terrible tragedy for the victims, their families, the people of Arizona and people of good will everywhere," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, head of the Catholic fraternal organization the Knights of Columbus.
"We feel a tremendous sense of loss at Judge Roll's death, and for all, young and old, who lost their lives in this attack,” he said. “We pray for God's mercy on all who have been touched by this tragedy."
Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York also offered his condolences as president of the U.S. bishops' conference and lamented the effects and future implications of the shooting.
“When the target of a violent act is a public official, it shakes the confidence of the nation in its ability to protect its leaders and those who want to participate in the democratic process,” he said.
“As bishops we call once more for respect for the life and dignity of every person as we work together for the common good, seeking to address the various social and political issues that face us as a nation.”
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Gunman Jared Loughner is currently in custody and refusing to cooperate in questioning by authorities.
The 22-year-old was known by acquaintances and professors to be an outcast who often posted incoherent political diatribes online and behaved erratically in classroom settings.
According to the New York Daily News, a shrine containing a skull replica, decayed oranges, candles and soil – often used in occult ceremonies – was found in his backyard.
Loughner was scheduled to make his first court appearance on Jan. 10 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
Marianne is a journalist with a background in writing and Catholic theology. When not elaborating on the cinematic arts, she enjoys spending time with people, reading thick books and traveling anywhere and everywhere.