Derna, 12 September, 2023 / 9:56 pm (ACI Africa).
Pope Francis has expressed his “spiritual closeness” to those affected by the Tuesday, September 12 deadly floods that, according to media reports, have resulted in the death of at least 2,000 people, with up to 10,000 reported missing in the North African country’s city of Derna.
In his Tuesday, September 12 telegram message addressed to the victims of the floods in Libya on behalf of the Holy Father, the Vatican Secretary of State shares the reaction of Pope Francis.
Pietro Cardinal Parolin says that Pope Francis “was deeply saddened to learn of the immense loss of life and destruction caused by the flooding in the eastern part of Libya, and he sends the assurance of his prayers for the souls of the deceased and all who mourn their loss.”
“His holiness also expresses heartfelt spiritual closeness to the injured, to those who fear for their missing loved ones, and to the emergency personnel providing rescue and relief assistance,” Cardinal Parolin adds.
The Vatican Secretary of State continues, “Upon all affected by this tragedy, Pope Francis willingly invokes the divine blessings of consolation, strength and perseverance.”
