Vatican City, Aug 9, 2016 / 12:03 pm
After Tropical Storm Javier and Hurricane Earl ravaged parts of Mexico over the weekend, Pope Francis offered his prayers and closeness to all those affected by the storms.
"In the face of the grave damage caused by the hurricane which affected several areas of the country – causing numerous victims and extensive material damage – the Holy Father expresses his affection for the beloved Mexican people," Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said in a telegram dated Aug. 8.
The Pope, he said, offers his prayers "for those who lost their lives and (desires) to show his closeness to their families and the victims."
Multiple mudslides caused by heavy rains killed at least 40 people in the mountainous north of Mexico's Puebla state over the weekend. An additional 13 people were killed by mudslides in the neighboring Veracruz state, according to the AP.
In the telegram, addressed to the Mexican bishops' conference, Pope Francis imparted his Apostolic Blessing to the victims of the storms and asked "the Lord to sustain the will of the authorities and people of Mexico and to awaken in all a spirit of solidarity."