The Pope assures victims of Taiwan quake of his solidarity and closeness

“Deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and damage caused by the earthquake” that hit Hualien City, Taiwan, on Wednesday, 3 April, Pope Francis sent a telegram of condolences, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to Bishop John Baptist Lee Keh-Mean, President of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan on Thursday, 4 April.

At least 10 people died when the 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck on Wednesday, and more than 1,000 people were injured. According to the bbc , rescuers are working to reach more than 600 stranded people, while dozens of people are still reported missing.

The Pope Francis’ telegram assured those “affected by this disaster” of his “heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness”. Pope Francis also prayed “for the dead, the injured, and all those displaced, as well as for the emergency personnel engaged in recovery efforts”.

The Holy Father invoked “divine blessings of consolation and strength”, upon all those affected by the earthquake.