The fire in Qaraqosh is a tragedy that shocked the world. It was a tragedy for the Christian community in Iraq, which has already suffered much in recent years, causing great shock and sadness.

The Church played an important role in the response to the fire. Priests and parishioners helped the families of the victims and the injured.

Pope Francis expressed his condolences to the victims and their families. The Pope said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and is praying for the dead and injured.

We publish below the telegram of condolence for the victims of the fire that took place in Qaraqosh (Iraq), sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis, by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the Archbishop of Mossul of the Syrians, H.E. Mgr. Benedectos Younan Hano:

Telegram

THE MOST REVEREND
BENEDICT YOUNAN HANO
ARCHBISHOP OF MOSSUL OF THE SYRIANS

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS HAS LEARNED WITH DEEP SADNESS OF THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF THE FIRE IN QARAQOSH AND SENDS THE ASSURANCE OF HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS TO ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGEDY. ENTRUSTING THE SOULS OF THE DEPARTED TO THE LOVING MERCY OF ALMIGHTY GOD, HE SENDS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THOSE WHO MOURN THEIR LOSS. HIS HOLINESS ALSO PRAYS FOR THE INJURED AND FOR THE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL. UPON ALL HE INVOKES THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF CONSOLATION, HEALING AND STRENGTH.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE