The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of the fire in the Coptic Church of Giza, Egypt, sent on behalf of the Holy Father by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to His Holiness Tawadrox II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark:

Telegram

HIS HOLINESS TAWADROS II
POPE OF ALEXANDRIA AND
PATRIARCH OF THE SEE OF SAINT MARK

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS WAS DEEPLY SADDENED UPON BEING INFORMED OF THE RECENT FIRE AT ABU SEFEIN CHURCH IN GIZA WHICH CAUSED THE DEATHS OF SO MANY, INCLUDING A NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND BISHOP ABDUL BAHKIT. IN OFFERING HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES AND THE ASSURANCE OF SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS TO THE INJURED AND THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGEDY, HIS HOLINESS ENTRUSTS THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO THE MERCIFUL LOVE OF ALMIGHTY GOD AND INVOKES UPON ALL CONSOLATION AND STRENGTH IN THE LORD.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE