Pope’s condolences for French floods

(June 21, 2010) Pope Benedict has sent his condolences to the victims of torrential rains in France last week that has caused loss of life and damage to property. The death toll from the worst flooding in south-eastern France in more than 180 years killed at least 25. The Pope’s sentiments were expressed in a message that Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone sent on the Pope’s behalf to Cardinal Vingt-Trois, archbishop of Paris, president of the French Catholic Bishops’ Conference. “Having come to learn about the numerous casualties and extensive damage caused by severe bad weather that hit the Southeast and other regions of France, the Pope sent his condolences to the bereaved and deepest sympathy to the people affected by this tragedy,” Cardinal Bertone wrote. While praying for the dead the Pope hoped that genuine solidarity will help those hit by the floods find brotherly support and assistance.