PHOENIX — Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix released the following statement about the Las Vegas shootings:

“We are devastated to learn about the deadly mass shooting last night in Las Vegas, and we express our deepest condolences for the victims of this senseless act of violence. We join in praying for the victims and their families, and for the first responders and all law enforcement officials who selflessly put others before themselves.

“We pray that our Blessed Mother Mary hold close all those affected by this horrific event.”

Following is a statement from Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:

We woke this morning and learned of yet another night filled with unspeakable terror, this time in the city of Las Vegas, and by all accounts, the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. My heart and my prayers, and those of my brother bishops and all the members of the Church, go out to the victims of this tragedy and to the city of Las Vegas. At this time, we need to pray and to take care of those who are suffering. In the end, the only response is to do good – for no matter what the darkness, it will never overcome the light. May the Lord of all gentleness surround all those who are suffering from this evil, and for those who have been killed we pray, eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.