Catholic and civic leaders called for peace and unity in the hours after former President Donald Trump was grazed by a bullet and a spectator was killed July 13 in an assassination attempt during the presumptive Republican presidential nominee's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The Holy See expressed "concern about last night's episode of violence, which wounds people and democracy, causing suffering and death" in a July 14 statement in Italian. The Holy See is "united in the prayer of the U.S. bishops for America, for the victims, and for peace in the country, so that the motives of the violent may never prevail," according to Catholic News Service.

On July 14, Trump thanked "everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening," on his social media platform Truth Social.

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"We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness. Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed," he continued. "In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win. I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin."

The Republican National Convention begins today and runs through July 18 in Milwaukee.

U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the attack, calling it "sick" in Saturday evening remarks shortly after the incident. 

"Jill and I are keeping him (Trump) and his family in our prayers," said Biden, a Catholic. "We also extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim who was killed. He was a father. He was protecting his family from the bullets that were being fired, and he lost his life. God love him."

That victim has been identified as Corey Comperatore, a firefighter from Pennsylvania who was among the thousands attending Saturday's rally.

Biden said he is also praying for the full recovery of those who were injured and is grateful for the response of the Secret Service agents, other law enforcement and individuals who risked their lives.

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On Facebook July 13, Fr. Kevin Fazio, pastor All Saints Parish in Butler wrote to parishioners that "We are shocked and saddened by the tragic shooting and act of violence that occurred at the Farm Show grounds on Saturday, July 13."

"There are feelings of fear, hurt, anger and sorrow in our community right now," he wrote. "As Christians, we need to remember that during times of darkness, we are called to reflect the light of Christ. May we continue to pray for peace in our world, in our country and right here at home. Our prayers to God today for everyone involved in, and all of the victims of this violent act, their families and friends. God our Father, watch over us. Jesus our Saviour, heal us. Holy Spirit, guide us."

The assassination attempt occurred the weekend before the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, a five-day gathering of Catholics across the country in Indianapolis that begins July 17. In a July 14 statement, Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, the congress's board chairman, offered prayers for Trump and those killed or injured and assured congress attendees that they can expect a secure event.

"We feel privileged to gather in prayer at a time with Our Eucharistic Lord when our country and our world need this peace which comes only from Him," he said. "We will pray for healing of all divisions in our land and an end to violence."

Other bishops, including Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, archbishop of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; and Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh, which includes Butler, issued statements July 13 calling for prayers and peace.

"We are grateful for the swift actions of the Secret Service and our local first responders," Zubik said. "Let us 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. May God guide and protect us all."

Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley of Boston lamented that "our nation has once again witnessed another deadly and tragic shooting today" and joined in prayer for the families of those killed and the recovery of Trump and the injured.

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"As a nation, we must come to grips with the incessant violence that has too often become the norm. It must stop," he continued in his social media post. "We must find peaceful ways to resolve our differences & avoid all political violence."

The USCCB statement also noted a statement the bishops released this summer about political violence that urged "all Christians and people of good will to abstain from political violence, and instead, 'pursue what leads to peace and building up one another' through dialogue, seeking justice."