Japan is facing a new catastrophe with a strong earthquake and tsunami, which have left behind dozens of victims. The country’s western coast was shaken by a series of violent tremors measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale , and preliminary casualty counts indicate a minimum of 30 people affected.

We publish below the telegram of condolence for the victims of the earthquake in Japan, sent – on behalf of the Holy Father Francis – by the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin:

Telegram

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS WAS DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE LOSS OF LIFE AND DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE EARTHQUAKE IN THE ISHIKAWA PREFECTURE. HE ASSURES EVERYONE AFFECTED BY THIS DISASTER OF HIS HEARTFELT SOLIDARITY AND SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS, AND PRAYS ESPECIALLY FOR THE DEAD, THOSE WHO MOURN THEIR LOSS, AND FOR THE RESCUE OF ANY PERSONS STILL MISSING. THE HOLY FATHER OFFERS ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE CIVIL AUTHORITIES AND EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AS THEY ASSIST THE VICTIMS OF THIS TRAGEDY, AND WILLINGLY INVOKES UPON ALL THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF CONSOLATION AND STRENGTH.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE