The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of the railway accident that took place in India, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli:

Telegram

THE MOST REVEREND
LEOPOLDO GIRELLI
APOSTOLIC NUNCIO IN INDIA

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS WAS DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE IMMENSE LOSS OF LIFE CAUSED BY THE TRAIN CRASH IN ODISHA STATE, AND HE ASSURES ALL AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGEDY OF HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS. ENTRUSTING THE SOULS OF THE DECEASED TO THE LOVING MERCY OF THE ALMIGHTY, HE SENDS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THOSE WHO MOURN THEIR LOSS. HIS HOLINESS LIKEWISE OFFERS PRAYERS FOR THE MANY INJURED AND FOR THE EFFORTS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL, AND HE INVOKES UPON THEM THE DIVINE GIFTS OF COURAGE AND CONSOLATION.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE