Vatican City, Nov 13, 2017 / 06:41 am
After an earthquake along the Iraq-Iran border left some 340 people dead and another 4,000 injured, Pope Francis voiced his sorrow for the loss of life and offered prayer for the dead and for rescue efforts.
In a telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and sent to leaders in both Iran and Iraq, Pope Francis said he was "deeply saddened" by news of the quake, and assured all those affected of his "prayerful solidarity."
Voicing sorrow to the families of the victims, the Pope offered prayer for the deceased and entrusted them to God's mercy. He also prayed for the injured and the emergency personnel and civil authorities engaged in rescue efforts.
He closed the telegram asking God for the "divine blessings of consolation and strength."