The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of the explosion in a mine in Siberia, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin:

Telegram

HIS EXCELLENCY VLADIMIR PUTIN

PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

HAVING LEARNED WITH SADNESS OF THE TRAGIC MINE EXPLOSION IN SIBERIA, HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS SENDS HIS CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND THE RUSSIAN PEOPLE. HE OFFERS THE ASSURANCE OF HIS PRAYERS FOR ALL WHO HAVE DIED AND FOR THOSE WHO MOURN THEIR LOSS. UPON ALL INVOLVED IN THE RECOVERY EFFORTS HIS HOLINESS INVOKES THE STRENGTH AND PEACE OF ALMIGHTY GOD.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

SECRETARY OF STATE