Pope Sends 'Heartfelt Condolences' to Loved Ones of Hurricane Erika Victims
Says 'Deeply Saddened' to Hear Tragic Loss of Life, Construction in Dominica
Vatican City, (ZENIT.org) Staff Reporter
Pope Francis has expressed his "heartfelt condolences" to the loved ones of the victims of Hurricane Erika, which to date has claimed at least 20 lives in the Caribbean.
In a condolence telegram sent to Bishop Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau, Dominica, by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on his behalf this morning, Pope Francis expressed these condolences to the victims' relatives, as well as his prayers for those providing rescue and relief services.
Among the storm's victims, most have been from the small island nation of Dominica in the eastern Caribbean where heavy rains and winds swept away bridges, homes, and roads. More than 50 people are still missing in the island nation in the wake of the tropical storm. Though Erika has hit other Caribbean nations and has lost some of its intensity, Florida is on high alert awaiting its arrival.
The telegram underscored how Francis was "deeply saddened" to learn of the tragic loss of life and destruction in the wake of the hurricane. "In commending the deceased to God's loving mercy," it concluded that the Holy Father invokes blessings of perseverance, hope and peace upon the grieving families and all those affected by the disaster.
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