(19 July, 2006) "Deeply saddened" by the July 17 tsunami tragedy in Java ,Pope Benedict
XVI "assures all those affected of his closeness in prayer” said the condolence
telegram sent in the Pontiff’s name by Vatican Secretary of State – Cardinal Angelo
Sodano to church and civil authorities. In his message, the pope “commends the deceased
to the loving mercy of the Almighty, and upon their grieving families, he invokes
divine blessings of strength and consolation”. The July 18 telegram said the pontiff
“prays for the rescue workers and all involved in providing assistance to displaced
families, encouraging them to persevere in their efforts to bring relief and support”.
On 17 July, the tsunami struck the tourist resorts of Cilacap and Pangandaran ,
after an underwater quake off Jakarta measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale. The latest
death toll – still provisional – is 525. Rescue workers are still at work amid the
debris and it is feared that the number of deaths may rise further still.