Meanwhile, in Milan's Duomo cathedral, Michelle Obama lights candles in memory of the victims in South Carolina.

U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday expressed anger over the shootings that took place in a black church in South Carolina and said such incidents of gun violence do not happen in other advanced countries.

Obama, in a statement to reporters at the White House, said he and his wife, Michelle, knew the pastor of the church who was killed.

Meanwhile, Michelle Obama and her elder daughter visited Milan's Duomo cathedral, where an official traveling with her said they lit candles in memory of the victims of the shooting in South Carolina.

The first lady and her daughter Malia were seen by photographers entering the Gothic-inspired cathedral on the unannounced stop. Mrs. Obama was dressed in black with dark glasses, while Malia wore a white blouse with black trousers. Mrs. Obama made no comment and issued no statement.

Nine people, including the pastor, were killed overnight at a prayer meeting inside a historic black church in downtown Charleston.

By Haaretz