Condolences to Chile

This morning, the Vatican Press Office published the text of a telegram of condolence for the victims of the earthquake which struck northern Chile two nights ago which was sent by His Holiness, Pope Francis to the Metropolitan Archbishop of Santiago de Chile, Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati Andrello, SDB.

Telegram of Condolence sent by His Holiness, Pope Francis

to His Eminence, Ricardo Cardinal Ezzati Andrello, SDB

Metropolitan Archbishop of Santiago de Chile

and President of the Episcopal Conference of Chile

Dear brother,

I was deeply distressed to receive the news of the earthquake which has caused injury to so many victims, and displaced so many others, due to the damage suffered in that beloved country, and want to express to all those who are suffering, my prayerful closeness and sense of affection for them.

I ask God to grant eternal rest to the deceased, to comfort all those who mourn their loss and to inspire hope among all those who must face the hardship of recovering from this tragedy.

I also beg the Christian communities and all persons of good will in civil institutions to provide effective assistance to the victims in this moment of sadness in a spirit of fraternal charity and with a generous spirit.

While invoking the loving protection of Our Lady of Carmen, I cordially impart my heart-felt blessing as a sign of my noble appreciation for the Chilean people.

Francis