The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of the explosion which took place this afternoon in Madrid, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis, by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra, archbishop of Madrid:

Telegram

HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL CARLOS OSORO SIERRA

ARCHBISHOP OF MADRID

THE HOLY FATHER, UPON RECEIVING THE SAD NEWS OF THE SERIOUS EXPLOSION THAT OCCURRED IN A BUILDING IN CALLE TOLEDO IN MADRID, WISHES TO CONVEY TO YOUR EMINENCE, THE CLERGY AND ALL THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THIS BELOVED PEOPLE, HIS CLOSENESS AND AFFECTION IN THESE DIFFICULT MOMENTS.

LIKEWISE HIS HOLINESS RAISES PRAYERS TO THE LORD AND ENTRUSTS TO HIS MERCY THE ETERNAL REPOSE OF THE VICTIMS, AS WELL AS THE INJURED AND THEIR FAMILIES.

POPE FRANCIS, INVOKING THE MATERNAL INTERCESSION OF OUR LADY OF ALMUDENA, WILLINGLY IMPARTS THE COMFORTING APOSTOLIC BLESSING AS A SIGN OF CHRISTIAN HOPE IN THE RISEN LORD.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

SECRETARY OF STATE