The prize "should also be seen as a tribute to the Colombian people who, despite great hardships and abuses, have not given up hope of a just peace."

Bishop Robert W. McElroy of San Diego asked people to pray for calm and called on police to be "as transparent as possible" in their investigation following the shooting of unarmed man in a San Diego suburb.The bishop said the Catholic community was saddened by the shooting death of Alfred

"This is a young man who is a source of pride for us Cubans, an example for our community and especially for Cuban young people."

"Killing the criminal does not bring justice to the victims," Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said.

"I know that my son died for a cause," Vivian Carr told a standing-room-only crowd at the church.

"Politicians who claim to be 'pro-choice,' essentially advocate for abortion-on-demand up until the time of birth, paid for by your taxpayer dollars."

"Our motto is: 'If nobody loves you, it is our joy to love you,'" said Melva Arbelo.

Protests turned violent for a second night on Sept. 21 in uptown Charlotte, about 10 miles away from the site of the fatal police shooting.

Local Catholics can help by also turning to prayer "for the wisdom to know what best to say and do and how to offer support."

"We must promote the common good everywhere, so that people in all nations can live a life where their human dignity is protected."