Vatican City, Jul 19, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- The Vatican announced, this morning, that Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano has sent a telegram of condolence, in the name of the Pope, to the ecclesial and civil authorities of Indonesia following the tsunami that hit the island of Java on Monday and left more than 500 people dead and around 300 missing.
 
"Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic consequences of the recent tsunami in Java, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI assures all those affected of his closeness in prayer,” the text read.

“He commends the deceased to the loving mercy of the Almighty, and upon their grieving families he invokes divine blessings of strength and consolation. His Holiness likewise prays for the rescue workers and all involved in providing assistance to displaced families, encouraging them to persevere in their efforts to bring relief and support."

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