WASHINGTON—Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed the prayers and support of the Catholic Church in the United States to the people of France following the July 14 attack in Nice. The full statement follows:

s of evil.

We draw near in prayer to the suffering and recovering people of Nice, France. The darkness of violence cannot dim the light of humanity's highest aspirations to live in peace. For the dead, we ask for God's mercy. For the wounded, we ask for God's healing. For the affected families, we ask for God's strength.  And for the rest of us, let us ask for God's wisdom as we seek the best way to help in the days ahead. 

These growing storms of hatred may test our ability to see the best in each other, but Jesus has already secured for us the victory of life over death, love over hate.  In His confidence, let us move forward without fear, but with an open embrace of all people who share in the hope of peace and freedom being celebrated yesterday. In this way, we isolate the forces of hate, starve its growth and shine the light of love into its darkest corners. 

In a particular way, I thank God for the first responders who seek to safeguard the innocent at the risk of their own lives. Let us pray for all public authorities as they tirelessly work for our protection. The more cooperation exists between governments and citizens, the more we will frustrate the forces of evil.