We publish below the telegram of condolence for the victims of the attack that took place this morning, during the Holy Mass in the State University of Mindanao, in Marawi (Philippines), sent – on behalf of the Holy Father Francis – by the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin – to H.E. Monsignor Edwin Angot de la Peña, M.S.P., Prelate of the Territorial Prelature of Marawi:

Telegram

THE MOST REVEREND EDWIN DE LA PEÑA Y ANGOT

PRELATE

TERRITORIAL PRELATURE OF MARAWI

DEEPLY SADDENED TO BE INFORMED OF THE INJURIES AND LOSS OF LIFE CAUSED BY THE BOMBING THAT TOOK PLACE DURING THE CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY MASS AT MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY IN MARAWI, HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS ASKS YOU TO CONVEY HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS TO ALL AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGEDY. HE JOINS YOU IN COMMENDING THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO DIED TO ALMIGHTY GOD’S LOVING MERCY AND HE IMPLORES THE DIVINE GIFTS OF HEALING AND CONSOLATION UPON THE INJURED AND BEREAVED. WITH PRAYERS THAT CHRIST THE PRINCE OF PEACE WILL GRANT TO ALL THE STRENGTH TO TURN FROM VIOLENCE AND OVERCOME EVERY EVIL WITH GOOD (CF.ROM. 12:21), HIS HOLINESS CORDIALLY IMPARTS HIS BLESSING AS A PLEDGE OF STRENGTH AND CONSOLATION IN THE LORD.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

SECRETARY OF STATE