Vatican says Trump assassination attempt 'wounds people and democracy'

The Vatican on July 14 expressed "concern" over the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and said the attack "wounds people and democracy, causing suffering and death."

The statement, issued by the Holy See Press Office, said the Vatican joins with the U.S. bishops in prayers for the victims, for peace in the country and "that the motives of the violent may never prevail."

The Vatican's response comes one day after a 20-year old gunman fired multiple shots at the former president and current Republican presidential nominee during a July 13 campaign rally in Pennsylvania, one of which pierced the upper portion of his right ear. While the president was safely escorted away from the scene, the incident killed one spectator and critically injured at least two others The shooter was also later killed by U.S. Secret Service personnel. 

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, U.S. Catholic leaders offered their prayers for Trump and other victims of the attack, while condemning the rise of political violence in the United States.

"We also pray for our country and for an end to political violence, which is never a solution to political disagreements," said Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. bishops' conference, in a statement.

Bishop David Zubik of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which includes Butler County, where the shooting took place, pleaded for the country to "join together in prayer for the health and safety of all, for healing and peace, and for an end to this climate of violence in our world."

"Our nation has once again witnessed another deadly and tragic shooting today," Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston said in a statement.

"As a nation, we must come to grips with the incessant violence that has too often become the norm. It must stop," the cardinal continued. "We must find peaceful ways to resolve our differences and avoid all political violence of any kind. May the Lord bless our country and all who seek a just and peaceful society."

In a statement, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago described the assassination attempt as "horrific."

"This is a moment of great risk in the history of our democracy," he wrote. "May God the Father enfold all his children in his loving embrace, encouraging us to listen to our better angels, to break the cycle of violence, and choose peace."

As of earlier this month, some 277 people have been killed and more than 1,130 people injured in 261 recorded mass shootings in the United States this year.