«Profoundly saddened» were the words Pope Francis used to describe his feelings in response to the Wednesday earthquake that caused six deaths and many casualties in northern Chile.
Acknowledging this tragedy, Pope Francis sent a telegram today to Cardinal Riccardo Ezzati Andrello, metropolitan archbishop of Santiago and president of the episcopal conference of Chile.
The Holy Father said he was “profoundly saddened to learn of the earthquake that has claimed victims and caused injuries, as well as causing material damage and leaving many people homeless in this beloved country.»
«I ask you to convey to all the Chilean people my closeness and heartfelt affection,» he said. «I pray that God may grant eternal repose to the departed and console those affected by this tragic event, and inspire hope so that they may face this adversity.
“I also strongly urge Christian communities, civil institutions and persons of good will to offer effective help to the afflicted, with a generous and brotherly spirit of charity. I invoke the loving protection of Our Lady of Carmen, and impart my apostolic blessing as a sign of my cordial appreciation of the noble Chilean people, so dear to my heart.» (D.C.L.)
