Pope sends condolences to Iran, Iraq following deadly earthquake

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis sent a pair of telegrammes to Iraq and Iran on Monday, expressing his condolences for the damage and loss of life caused by Sunday's severe earthquake.

In the two messages signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis says he "was deeply saddened" by news of the 7.3-magnitude earthquake which struck the border region between Iran and Iraq.

He assured all those affected by the tragedy of his "prayerful solidarity" and his "sorrow to all who mourn the loss of their loved ones".

The Pope also offered "his prayers for the deceased and commends them to the mercy of the Almighty."

Pope Francis closed his messages by invoking "the divine blessings of consolation and strength" upon the injured and "the emergency and civil authorities engaged in rescue and recovery efforts".

Please find below the Pope's original telegrammes:

Message - Iraq:

His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the severe earthquake which has struck Iraq, and he assures all affected by this tragedy of his prayerful solidarity.  In expressing his sorrow to all who mourn the loss of their loved ones, he offers his prayers for the deceased and commends them to the mercy of the Almighty.  Upon the injured and the emergency and civil authorities engaged in rescue and recovery efforts, His Holiness invokes the divine blessings of consolation and strength.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Secretary of State

Message to Iran:

His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the severe earthquake which has struck Iran, and he assures all affected by this tragedy of his prayerful solidarity.  In expressing his sorrow to all who mourn the loss of their loved ones, he offers his prayers for the deceased and commends them to the mercy of the Almighty.  Upon the injured and the emergency and civil authorities engaged in rescue and recovery efforts, His Holiness invokes the divine blessings of consolation and strength.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Secretary of State

(from Vatican Radio)

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