Pope Francis on September 21, 2018, send a telegram of condolences for the victims of the September 20, 2018, shipwreck of a ferry on Lake Victoria in Tanzania. The death toll has been reported at well over 100 and local authorities expect the total to increase.
The telegram was sent to the civil authorities and ecclesial leaders in the name of the Holy Father Francis by the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
The Text of the Telegram:
Saddened to learn of the tragic ferry accident on Lake Victoria near the shore of Ukara Island, His Holiness Pope Francis expresses his heartfelt solidarity with those who mourn the loss of their loved ones and who fear for the lives of those still missing. He invokes the divine blessings of strength and consolation upon all those affected and offers encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel in their ongoing rescue efforts.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
