The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of last night’s train accident in Greece, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the president of the Episcopal Conference of Greece, Bishop Petros Stefànou:

Telegram

THE MOST REVEREND

PETROS STEFÀNOU

PRESIDENT OF THE BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF GREECE

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS WAS SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE LOSS OF LIFE AND INJURY CAUSED BY THE TRAIN CRASH NEAR LARISSA, AND HE SENDS THE ASSURANCE OF HIS PRAYERS TO EVERYONE AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGEDY. ENTRUSTING THE SOULS OF THE DECEASED TO THE LOVING MERCY OF ALMIGHTY GOD, HE OFFERS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES WHO MOURN THEIR LOVED ONES. TO THE INJURED, THE EMERGENCY WORKERS AND ALL THOSE PROVIDING ASSISTANCE, HIS HOLINESS IMPARTS HIS BLESSING AS A PLEDGE OF STRENGTH AND SOLIDARITY IN THE LORD.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

SECRETARY OF STATE