The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of the road accident that occurred on Tuesday 3 October in Mestre, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the Patriarch of Venice, His Excellency Francesco Moraglia:

Telegram

HIS MOST REVEREND EXCELLENCY
FRANCESCO MORAGLIA
PATRIARCH OF VENICE
PATRIARCHAL PALACE

HAVING LEARNED OF THE SERIOUS ROAD ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED IN MESTRE, IN WHICH SEVERAL PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES, INCLUDING CHILDREN, THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ASKS HIS EXCELLENCY TO CONVEY HIS AFFECTIONATE PROXIMITY TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO DIED SO TRAGICALLY, ASSURING THEM OF A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR THEIR REPOSE, AND AS HE IMPLORES THE CONSOLATION OF FAITH FOR THE RELATIVES, HE INVOKES FROM THE LORD PROMPT HEALING FOR THE INJURED, AND SENTS HIS HEARTFELT PATERNAL APOSTOLIC BLESSING.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE OF HIS HOLINESS