.- In a letter to Romania’s Archbishop Jean-Claude Perisset, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his grief and fervent prayers for the floods that have recently ravaged the nation. Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano wrote the letter, in the Pope's name, saying, "The Holy Father continues to follow with apprehension the drama of the Romanian people, stricken by torrential rains that have caused mourning, devastation and serious damage in that country.”
"He charges Your Excellency”, the letter continued, “to inform the civil and religious authorities of his grief and his spiritual closeness in this sad and difficult situation that has struck a nation very dear to him. His Holiness, as he raises fervent appeals for those who have lost their lives in the disaster, gives assurances of his prayers to the Lord recollecting those who have suffered the death of their loved ones, who have been left homeless or forced to abandon their property, and are now undergoing grave difficulties.”
Cardinal Sodano continued, saying, "As a comfort for these feelings, the Holy Father invokes consolation and support from the Lord for these brothers and sisters, and sends them a special apostolic blessing as a sign of his affection."
