Upon hearing of the shooting in John Bartram High School in Philadelphia today, Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, expressed his sadness and prayed for the victim and his family. Cardinal Bevilacqua said, "I am deeply saddened and dismayed by the act of violence that occurred today at John Bartram High School in Southwest Philadelphia. I will remember in my prayers Assistant Principal William Burke and the entire Bartram school community. I am deeply concerned for all young people who are exposed to a pervasive culture of violence."

According to authorities, an assistant school principal was allegedly shot by a student today during a hallway confrontation at John Bartram High School in southwest Philadelphia. Initial reports indicate the student's gun discharged in his pocket during the confrontation.

Cardinal Bevilacqua said, "We must all work together to help teach our young people to act in good conscience and find peaceful resolutions to differences. Only as every person practices mutual respect and understanding for one another will we see an end to such tragedies in our communities."

Scheduled on the Cardinal's calendar are two Youth Forums on Violence:November 2nd at Cardinal O'Hara High School and November 12th at Cardinal Dougherty High School.