Wabag, Papua New Guinea, Mar 6, 2018 / 13:41 pm
Pope Francis is praying for all those affected by a major earthquake in Papua New Guinea this week, offering his condolences in a telegram on Tuesday.
The telegram, sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, expressed the Holy Father's closeness in prayer to all those who are suffering in the southwestern Pacific nation.
"It was with great sadness that His Holiness Pope Francis learned of the tragic loss of life following the recent earthquake in Papua New Guinea," the telegram said. "Commending the souls of the deceased to the mercy of Almighty God, he sends his heartfelt condolences to their families, and he assures all those affected by this disaster of his closeness in prayer."
"Upon all those who mourn at this difficult time, and upon the emergency personnel involved in the important relief efforts, Pope Francis willingly invokes the divine blessings of strength and consolation."