WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, joined San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone in condemning the violent attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in the early morning hours of Oct. 28. The attack occurred, according to police, after a man broke into the family home in San Francisco and struck Mr. Pelosi in the head with a hammer. The archbishops offered prayers for Mr. Pelosi, who was hospitalized and underwent successful surgery for skull fracture.

The assailant, identified as 42-year-old David Depape, was apprehended at the scene and will be charged with attempted homicide, police reported at a news conference.

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In a prepared statement, Archbishop Gomez writes: “I join with Archbishop Cordileone in offering my prayers for the full recovery of Paul Pelosi and comfort for his family following the terrible attack that occurred earlier this morning. I am deeply grieved over this violence, which should have no place in our communities, our political process, or our great nation. May Our Lady of Perpetual Help intercede for us, provide healing, and guide us to paths of peace.”

Archbishop Cordileone, in a social media post early in the day, wrote, "Please join me in praying for the swift recovery of Paul Pelosi and comfort for his wife and family too. Mother Mary hear our prayer.

Scott said the investigation is ongoing and authorities are still determining a motive. The speaker was in Washington at the time of the attack. Her office has asked for privacy for the family.