The following is the telegram of condolence sent, on behalf of the Holy Father Francis, by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to Archbishop Alfredo José Espinoza Mateus, S.D.B., on the death of Mr. Fernando Villavicencio:

Telegram

HIS EXCELLENCY
ARCHBISHOP ALFREDO JOSÉ ESPINOZA MATEUS, S.D.B. OF QUTO

HAVING RECEIVED THE SAD NEWS OF THE ASSASSINATION OF MR. FERNANDO VILLAVICENCIO, THE HOLY FATHER WISHES TO CONVEY HIS DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOUR EXCELLENCY, TO THE FAMILY OF THE DECEASED AND TO ALL THE BELOVED PEOPLE OF ECUADOR.

FURTHERMORE, IN THE FACE OF THE SUFFERING CAUSED BY UNJUSTIFIABLE VIOLENCE, WHICH HE CONDEMNS UNRESERVEDLY, HIS HOLINESS CALLS UPON ALL CITIZENS AND POLITICAL FORCES TO UNITE IN A COMMON EFFORT FOR PEACE.

WITH THESE SENTIMENTS, POPE FRANCIS, WHILE COMMENDING THE ETERNAL REPOSE OF MR. VILLAVICENZO TO THE MATERNAL INTERCESSION OF OUR LADY OF EL QUINCHE, AFFECTIONATELY IMPARTS THE APOSTOLIC BLESSING AS A SIGN OF FAITH AND HOPE IN THE RISEN CHRIST.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE