The following is the telegram of condolences sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the archbishop of Freetown, Charles Edward Tamba, for the victims of the flood and mudslide which struck the capital of Sierra Leone on Monday:

Telegram

The Right Reverend Charles Edward Tamba
Archbishop of Freetown

Deeply saddened by the devastating consequences of the mudslide on the outskirts of Freetown, His Holiness Pope Francis assures those who have lost loved ones of his closeness at this difficult time. He prays for all who have died, and upon their grieving families and friends he invokes the divine blessings of strength and consolation. His Holiness likewise expresses his prayerful solidarity with the rescue workers and all involved in providing the much needed relief and support to the victims of this disaster.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State