(Vatican Radio) Pope Benedict XVI has sent a telegram of condolence to the Cardinal
Archbishop of Havana, Jaime Ortega, following the untimely death of the renowned Cuban
Catholic human and civil rights activist, Oswaldo Paya, and prominent Cuban dissident,
Harold Cepero Escalante, who died in a car accident at the weekend. Signed by the
Sostituto for the Secretary of State, Archbishop Angelo Becciù, the telegram asks
Cardinal Ortega to convey his spiritual closeness to the families of the victims.
The message also promises continuing prayers for the deceased and their loved-ones.
The Holy Father concludes with an invocation of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre, and
the offering of his Apostolic Blessing as a sign of faith and hope in Jesus Christ,
Redeemer of Man. Listen: