WASHINGTON (CNS) – The U.S. Catholic bishops pledged their prayers for those killed and injured at three sites in France’s capital and voiced their support for those “working to build just and peaceful societies.”

“Terror always seeks to separate us from those we most love,” said a statement issued by the Administrative Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “Through their suffering, courage and compassion, Parisians are reminding us that the common bond of humanity is strongest when the need is greatest.”

“To the people of France, we mourn with you and honor the lives lost from several nations, including our own,” said the committee, which is comprised of USCCB’s officers, committee chairmen and other bishops representing every region of the U.S.

“To our brothers and sisters in the church in France, your family in the United States holds you close to our hearts. May the tender and merciful love of Jesus Christ give you comfort during this great trial and lead you on a path toward healing and peace,” added the statement, issued from Baltimore, Md., where the bishops were meeting ahead of their Nov. 16-19 general fall assembly