Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday sent a telegram of condolence to authorities in Tanzania,
where a ferry sank at the weekend, killing nearly 200 people. The full text of the
English-language telegram is below:
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was saddened
to learn of the great loss of life in the disaster which took place at sea off the
coast of your Nation. The Holy Father is praying for those who are missing and commends
the souls of the departed to the benevolent mercy of our Heavenly Father. He wishes
to convey his condolences to the authorities and people of Tanzania, and particularly
to the relatives and friends of the deceased. Upon all who mourn their passing His
Holiness fervently implores the divine gifts of consolation and hope and prays that
abundant blessings of strength and peace be given to all who have been affected by
this tragedy.