The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of the fire that broke out yesterday in Qaraqosh, Iraq, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to Archbishop Benedectos Younan Hano of Mossul of the Syriacs:

Telegram

THE MOST REVEREND
BENEDECTOS YOUNAN HANO ARCHBISHOP OF MOSSUL OF THE SYRIACS

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS WAS DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF THE FIRE IN QARAQOSH, AND HE SENDS THE ASSURANCE OF HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS TO EVERYONE AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGEDY. ENTRUSTING THE SOULS OF THE DECEASED TO THE LOVING MERCY OF ALMIGHTY GOD, HE SENDS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THOSE WHO MOURN THEIR LOSS. HIS HOLINESS LIKEWISE OFFERS PRAYERS FOR THE INJURED AND FOR THE RELIEF EFFORTS OF THE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL. UPON ALL HE INVOKES THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF CONSOLATION, HEALING AND STRENGTH.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE