The following is the telegram of condolences for the victims of the attack yesterday on a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, sent by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin on behalf of the Holy Father Francis to His Excellency Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany:

Telegram

HIS EXCELLENCY
DR. FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER
PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
BERLIN

POPE FRANCIS HAS LEARNED WITH DISMAY OF THE ATTACK IN WHICH SEVERAL PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND MANY OTHERS INJURED. HIS HOLINESS EXPRESSES HIS SYMPATHY FOR THE PAIN OF THOSE AFFECTED. HE ASSURES ALL THE VICTIMS OF HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS. AT THE SAME TIME, HE THANKS ALL THOSE WHO ARE WORKING AND SUPPORTING THE VICTIMS AT THIS DIFFICULT MOMENT. POPE FRANCIS PRAYS FOR THE DECEASED, AND ENTRUSTS THEM TO CHRIST, OUR HOPE, WHOSE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS. HE HEARTILY INVOKES DIVINE SUPPORT AND CONSOLATION FOR ALL.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE OF HIS HOLINESS