Holy Father’s closeness to victims of fire in Cuba

The following is a translation of the telegram of condolence for the victims of the fire and explosion at the Matanzas base in Cuba, sent on behalf of the Holy Father by His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to Bishop Emilio Aranguren Echeverría of Holguín, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba, in Havana.

The Holy Father is closely following the news of the unfortunate accident that has caused a fire and several explosions at the Matanzas supertanker base, with at least one death and numerous wounded and missing.

Pope Francis also assures his spiritual closeness to the Cuban people and to all the families of those affected, and prays to the Lord to grant them strength in this moment of suffering, and to sustain the work of extinguishing the fire, and the rescue efforts. With these sentiments, he cordially imparts the comfort of his apostolic blessing, as a pledge of hope in the risen Christ.

Cardinal Pietro ParolinSecretary of State