Pope Francis on Monday sent condolences to the Mexican bishops’ conference as Hurricane Earl left some four dozen people dead.
The hurricane made landfall Thursday in Central America and again Friday in Mexico. Some people died in the Dominican Republic when the storm passed across the island, and many of the victims in Mexico were from landslides, as the death toll there continued to rise.
The telegram, sent Monday on the Pope’s behalf by his secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, assures the Pope’s prayer and affection.
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, offering his prayers for those who lost their lives and desiring to show his closeness to their families and the victims. At the same time, His Holiness asks the Lord to sustain the will of the authorities and people of Mexico and to awaken in all a spirit of solidarity. He also imparts his Apostolic Blessing.
