The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on Monday called for peace and offered prayers for those affected by the recent violent tragedies in Buffalo, N.Y., and Laguna Woods, Calif.

“The U.S. bishops join with others throughout the country in offering prayers for the support and healing of the families, friends, and communities of those impacted by these violent incidents,” a release on the USCCB website said this week. “We pray especially for those who were injured and particularly for those who lost their lives.”

The tragic events began on Saturday with a shooting in Buffalo that killed 10 people, an ABC News report said. An 18-year-old man who traveled more than three hours to a supermarket in Buffalo was charged with shooting four people in the parking lot, then entering the store and and shooting nine others. The supermarket is located in a predominantly black neighborhood, and authorities have said that racism was a contributing factor. The suspect is being held without bail. 

The next day, in Laguna Woods, a man opened fire at a church event, killing one person and injuring several others, a New York Post report said. Other parishioners eventually were able to subdue and detain the gunman.

“That group of churchgoers displayed what we believe is exceptional heroism and bravery in intervening to stop the suspect,” Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock told AP News. “They undoubtedly prevented additional injuries and fatalities. I think it’s safe to say that had people not intervened, it could have been much worse.”

The suspect was arraigned Tuesday on charges of murder and attempted murder. As with the Buffalo shooting, the incident was said to also be motivated by racism. 

The Catholic Church’s opposition to racism is longstanding, the USCCB said. 

In 2018, the USCCB issued a pastoral letter, “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love,” in which the bishops addressed the Church's opposition to racism. The bishops condemned racism as a "particularly destructive and persistent form of evil.” 

“The salvation which God has wrought, and the Church joyfully proclaims, is for everyone,” Pope Francis said, quoted in the letter. “God has found a way to unite himself to every human being in every age.”