The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of the tornado in the United States, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to Archbishop José H. Gómez of Los Angeles:

Telegram

THE MOST REVEREND JOSÉ H. GÓMEZ

ARCHBISHOP OF LOS ANGELES

PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.C.C.B.

THE HOLY FATHER WAS SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE DEVASTATING IMPACT OF THE TORNADOES THAT STRUCK THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN UNITED STATES IN THESE DAYS. HE OFFERS HEARTFELT PRAYERS THAT ALMIGHTY GOD WILL GRANT ETERNAL PEACE TO THOSE WHO HAVE DIED, COMFORT TO THOSE WHO MOURN THEIR LOSS, AND STRENGTH TO ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS IMMENSE TRAGEDY. WITH GRATITUDE FOR THE TIRELESS EFFORTS OF THE RESCUE WORKERS AND ALL ENGAGED IN CARING FOR THE INJURED, THE GRIEVING FAMILIES AND THOSE LEFT HOMELESS, POPE FRANCIS INVOKES UPON ALL ENGAGED IN THE MASSIVE WORK OF RELIEF AND REBUILDING THE LORD’S GIFTS OF STRENGTH AND GENEROUS PERSEVERANCE IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

SECRETARY OF STATE