Pope Francis conveyed his condolences to the victims of a massive earthquake in Chile.
The 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck the country’s central region on Wednesday evening, killing 12 people. The quake was followed by tsunami waves that reached up to 15 feet near the epicenter of the natural disaster.
In a message sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, the Pope offered prayers for the deceased, expressing his hope that the Lord will “grant consolation to those affected by the disaster and inspires feelings of Christian hope and fraternal solidarity to overcome adversity.”
The following is a ZENIT translation of the Pope’s message:
The Holy Father, saddened by the news of the major earthquake that caused casualties, injuries and property damage, offers his prayers for the eternal rest of the deceased and raises fervent prayers that the Lord may grant consolation to those affected by the disaster and inspire feelings of Christian hope and fraternal solidarity to overcome adversity. At the same time, His Holiness wishes to express his condolences to the bereaved and his fatherly concern and feelings of closeness to the injured and wounded, while cordially imparting his blessing as a sign of affection to the beloved people of Chile.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State to His Holiness
[Translation by Junno Arocho Esteves]
