Pope Francis sent condolences for the victims and families of the tragic road accident that killed 44 near Arequipa, Peru on February 21, 2018.
Here is a translation of the telegram sent in the Holy Father Francis’ name by the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, to H.E. Monsignor Javier del Rio Alba, Archbishop of Arequipa.
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The Telegram
Monsignor Javier del Rio Alba
Archbishop of Arequipa
After learning the sad news of a new traffic accident, which occurred near the city of Arequipa, the Holy Father wishes to express to Your Excellency and to all the children of that beloved nation, his closeness and affection in these harsh moments of grief.
His Holiness also raises his prayers to the Lord and entrusts very especially to His mercy the eternal rest of all the victims, as well as the wounded and their families. Invoking the maternal intercession of the Holy Mother of God, the Pope imparts to all his heartfelt Apostolic Blessing, as sign of Christian hope in the Resurrected Lord.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State of His Holiness
© Libreria Editrice Vatican
[Original text: Spanish] [ZENIT’s translation by Virginia M. Forrester]
