The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of the attack yesterday on Saint Francis Church in Owo, Nigeria, during the celebration of the Solemnity of Pentecost, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to Bishop Jude A. Arogundade of Ondo:

Telegram

THE MOST REVEREND
JUDE A. AROGUNDADE
BISHOP OF ONDO

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS WAS DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE HORRIFIC ATTACK AT SAINT FRANCIS CHURCH IN OWO, AND HE ASSURES YOU AND ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS ACT OF UNSPEAKABLE VIOLENCE OF HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS. IN COMMENDING THE SOULS OF THE DEAD TO THE LOVING MERCY OF ALMIGHTY GOD AND IMPLORING DIVINE HEALING AND CONSOLATION UPON THE INJURED AND THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING, HIS HOLINESS PRAYS FOR THE CONVERSION OF THOSE BLINDED BY HATRED AND VIOLENCE SO THAT THEY WILL CHOOSE INSTEAD THE PATH OF PEACE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. UPON YOU AND THE FAITHFUL OF THE DIOCESE, POPE FRANCIS INVOKES THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF COMFORT AND STRENGTH AS YOU CONTINUE TO LIVE THE GOSPEL MESSAGE WITH FIDELITY AND COURAGE.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE