Pope Praying for Earthquake Victims in Pakistan, Afghanistan

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin today sent a telegram on behalf of the Holy Father to Archbishop Ghaleb Bader, apostolic nuncio in Pakistan, following the serious earthquake in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life in Afghanistan and Pakistan as a result of the earthquake in the region. He expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this disaster, and he offers the assurance of his prayers for the dead, as well as for the injured and those still missing. Upon all those who mourn the loss of loved ones and upon the civil authorities and emergency personnel involved in the relief efforts, Pope Francis invokes the divine blessings of consolation and strength."

The magnitude-7.5 earthquake hit remote areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan on Monday. The death toll is already at 360, with another 2,000 injured. Most of the victims were in Pakistan.