After the Pope's audience message of hope in God in the face of “unspeakable horror,” these intercessions were offered for everyone touched by the tragedy:

Brothers and sisters, In great dismay before the horror of destructive violence, but strong in the faith that has always guided our Fathers, we turn to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the salvation of his people, and with the confidence of children we pray that he will come to our aid in these days of mourning and innocent suffering.

For the Church of East and West, and in particular for the Church that resides in the United States of America, that although prostrate with loss and mourning — taking inspiration from the Mother of the Lord, the strong woman near the cross of the Son — they may nourish in hearts desires for reconciliation and peace and strive toward the construction of the civilization of love.

Let us pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.

For all those who bear the name of Christians, so that in the sad events of a humanity filled with misunderstanding and hatred, they will continue to be witnesses to the presence of God in history and the victory of Christ over death.

Let us pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.

For the leaders of nations, that they may not allow themselves to be domi nated by hatred and the spirit of retaliation, and may do everything possible to avoid that arms of destruction sow new hatred and new death, and make every effort to illuminate the darkness of human affairs with works of peace.

Let us pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who are weeping and in sorrow over the violent loss of relatives and friends, so that in this hour of suffering they will not allow themselves to be overwhelmed by sorrow, despair and vengeance, but will continue to have faith in the victory of good over evil, life over death, and commit themselves to building a better world.

Let us pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.

For those wounded and suffering from the absurd terrorist acts, that they may soon return to stability and health and, given the gift of life, may nourish in their hearts desires to build, cooperate and serve on behalf of every form of life — free from bitterness and feelings of vengeance — and become agents of justice and builders of peace.

Let us pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.

For the brothers and sisters who met death in the folly of violence, that they may find in the peace of the Lord sure joy and life everlasting, and that their death may not be in vain but be a leaven for new times of brotherhood and cooperation among peoples.

Let us pray to the Lord: Lord, hear our prayer.

O Lord Jesus, remember our deceased and suffering brothers before your Father. Remember us also, as we begin to pray in your words: Our Father …

O Almighty and merciful God, you cannot be understood by the one who sows discord, you cannot be accepted by the one who loves violence. Look upon our painful human condition, tried by cruel acts of terror and death. Comfort your children and open our hearts to hope, so that our time may once again know days of serenity and peace. Through Christ our Lord Amen.