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Meetings
Pope writing a letter

Pope writing a letter

Pope Mourns Victims of Tragic Sinking of Ferry in Tigris River in Mosul, Iraq

‘Upon the whole Iraqi nation Pope Francis invokes the divine blessings of healing, strength and consolation’

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marzo 22, 2019 12:18Meetings
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Pope Francis has sent today, March 22, 2019, his condolences to the local ecclesiastical and civil authorities for the victims of a tragic sinking of a ferry yesterday in the Tigris River in Mosul, Iraq. Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, sent the telegram on the Pope’s behalf.
In the Pope’s telegram, he expressed he was ‘deeply saddened,’ offered his spiritual closeness to all affected. The Holy Father extended his heartfelt condolences to all Iraqi people, in particular the families of the deceased, and his prayers for local authorities and emergency personnel.
Pope Francis concluded, praying for God’s healing grace, and invoking upon the entire nation of Iraq divine blessings of consolation and strength.
Below is the Vatican-provided text of the Pope’s message:
***

His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of all who lost their lives following the tragic sinking of a ferry in the Tigris River in Mosul. Expressing his prayerful solidarity with those who mourn, His Holiness commends the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty, and prays for the local authorities and emergency personnel. Upon the whole Iraqi nation Pope Francis invokes the divine blessings of healing, strength and consolation.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
[Original text: English] [Vatican-provided text]

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marzo 22, 2019 12:18Meetings
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Deborah Castellano Lubov

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Deborah Castellano Lubov is Senior Vatican & Rome Correspondent for ZENIT; author of 'The Other Francis' ('L'Altro Francesco') featuring interviews with those closest to the Pope and preface by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin (currently published in 5 languages); Deborah is also NBC & MSNBC Vatican Analyst. She often covers the Pope's travels abroad, often from the Papal Flight (including for historic trips such as to Abu Dhabi and Japan & Thailand), and has also asked him questions on the return-flight press conference on behalf of the English-speaking press present. Lubov has done much TV & radio commentary, including for NBC, Sky, EWTN, BBC, Vatican Radio, AP, Reuters and more. She also has contributed to various books on the Pope and has written for various Catholic publications. For 'The Other Francis': http://www.gracewing.co.uk/page219.html or https://www.amazon.com/Other-Francis-Everything-They-about/dp/0852449348/

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