The Pontiff deeply affected by news of flooding in Germany

Upon learning of the devastating flash floods in Germany caused by the heaviest rainfall in a century, on Thursday evening, 15 July, Pope Francis sent a telegram to the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, expressing his sorrow. The Holy Father was “deeply affected” upon learning of “the news of the severe storm and floods in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate”, reads the telegram, and assures his prayers “for the people who lost their lives”, those who are still missing, the wounded, and those whose property has been damaged or destroyed “due to the power of nature”. The Pope “profoundly participates” in the loss of the families who have lost loved ones, the telegram continues, and offers his “spiritual closeness” to all who have been ...