Pope Sends Condolences for the Victims of Landslide in Colombia

Pope Francis expressed his grief and promised his prayers for the victims and their families of the landslide that struck the municipality of Salgar in Colombia, and left 78 people dead. The Holy Father sent his condolences in a letter sent to the diocese of Jericho and signed by the Vatican Secretariat of State.

The overflowing of the Liboriana ravine happened early in the morning on Monday, submerging in chaos the municipality located in the Department of Antioquia, in north-western Colombia.

“On learning the sad news of the serious damages caused by the landslide that struck the municipality of Salgar, Antioquia, Pope Francis offers prayers to the Lord for the eternal rest of the deceased,” the letter stated. At the same time, he “wishes to express his spiritual closeness to all those affected, to their families, and all those who suffer the consequences of this natural disaster,” continues the letter.

Concluding his message, Pope Francis appealed to civil and ecclesial institutions, as well as citizens to help those affected, adding: "with these sentiments, His Holiness imparts to those affected and to those helping them the comfort of his Apostolic Blessing as sign of abundant divine graces.”