Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness, sent a telegram in Pope Leo’s name to Archbishop Francisco Javier Múnera Correa, the president of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia, following a severe earthquake that left hundreds dead and thousands injured and missing.
“The Holy Father, deeply saddened to learn the painful news of the earthquake that has severely affected various areas of Colombia, causing fatalities and numerous injuries, as well as serious material damage, including to many churches, offers prayers for the eternal rest of the deceased and lifts up his prayers to the Lord for the speedy recovery of those affected by this tragedy,” Cardinal Parolin wrote in his August 11 telegram.
“Likewise, he asks Your Excellency to convey the heartfelt condolences of His Holiness to the families who, in this hour of profound sorrow, mourn the loss of their loved ones,” Cardinal Parolin continued. “He also assures them of his spiritual closeness and expresses his gratitude to all those who, with generous dedication, are working in search, rescue, and relief efforts for the victims.”