We publish below the telegrams of condolence for the victims of the earthquake that struck last night in southern Turkey and northern Syria, sent – on behalf of the Holy Father Francis – by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the Apostolic Nuncio in Turkey, H.E. Mgr. Marek Solczyński; and to the Apostolic Nuncio in Syria, Em. Mario Zenari:

Telegram

THE MOST REVEREND
MAREK SOLCZYŃSKI
APOSTOLIC NUNCIO IN TÜRKIYE

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS WAS DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE HUGE LOSS OF LIFE CAUSED BY THE EARTHQUAKE IN THE AREA OF SOUTH-EASTERN TÜRKIYE, AND HE SENDS THE ASSURANCE OF HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS TO ALL THOSE AFFECTED. ENTRUSTING THOSE WHO HAVE DIED TO THE LOVING MERCY OF THE ALMIGHTY, HE SENDS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THOSE WHO MOURN THEIR LOSS. HIS HOLINESS LIKEWISE PRAYS THAT THE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL WILL BE SUSTAINED IN THEIR CARE OF THE INJURED AND IN THE ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS BY THE DIVINE GIFTS OF FORTITUDE AND PERSEVERANCE.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STAT