Pope Francis sent his condolences to the victims of the tragic gas tanker explosion that occurred yesterday in Ecatepec, Mexico yesterday. The message was sent by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, on behalf of the Holy Father.

The accident occurred yesterday morning when a natural gas tanker truck lost control and hit a center divider on a highway stretch that was lined with homes. According to an Associated Press report, Gov. Eruviel Avila, the governor of the State of Mexico was scheduled to meet with Pope Francis on Wednesday, but returned to Mexico upon hearing of the tragedy. As of now, 22 people were killed in the accident and at least a dozen were injured in the blast.

Cardinal Bertone stated that Pope Francis was saddened by the news of the incident in Ecatepc. The letter, which was sent to Bishop Oscar Roberto Dominguez Couttolenc, expressed the Holy Father’s “spiritual closeness” to the victims of the explosion.

“His Holiness Pope Francis wishes to send, through Your Excellency, his condolences to the families of the deceased, together with expressions of consolation and affection for all those wounded, with the strong desire for their quick and complete recovery,” the telegram stated.

The letter concluded with the assurance of the Holy Father’s prayers along with his apostolic blessing “as a sign of hope in the Risen Christ.”

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On ZENIT's webpage

For the full text of the telegram, go to: 

http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/condolence-telegram-to-victims-of-tragic-explosion-in-ecatepec-mexico


Cardinal Sodano's Homily at the Funeral of Cardinal Giovanni Cheli

Lord Cardinals and dear concelebrants, lord ambsassadors and distinguished officials, relatives and friends of the departed cardinal, brothers and sisters in the Lord! Yesterday, in the heart of the night, the Lord came to call to himself the beautiful soul of our dear Cardinal Giovanni Cheli. He thus closed his eyes to this world and opened them in the light of eternity. In the long terrestrial day he had frequently repeated the words of the Psalmist: “Your face, O Lord, do I seek … Do not hide your face from me … O God of my salvation” (Psalm 27: 8-9). And in the night that has passed he was able to see the daily goal of his life realized. 

Pope's Telegram of Condolence for the Death of Cardinal Giovanni Cheli

Here is the translation of the telegram of condolence for the death last night of His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Cheli, of the titular church of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, sent by the Holy Father Benedict XVI to the Bishop of Asti, His Excellency Francesco Ravinale: