Pope Francis: telegram of condolence to Mali

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a telegram expressing his condolences and assuring his prayerful solidarity with the whole people of Mali, in the wake of a terrorist attack on a hotel in the capital, Bamako, which left at least 21 people dead.

Addressed to the Archbishop of Bamako, Jean Zerbo, and signed by the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the telegram says Pope Francis joins in prayer the pain of bereaved families and the sadness of Malians.

“Appalled by this senseless violence,” which the Holy Father “strongly condemns,” the telegram continues, “the Pope implores God for the conversion of hearts and the gift of peace, and invokes abundance of divine blessings on all those affected by this tragedy.”

Below, please find the full text of the Holy Father’s telegram, in Vatican Radio’s English translation

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His Excellency Archbishop Jean Zerbo

Archbishop of Bamako                                                                                                                                                                                BAMAKO

Having learned of the tragic attack, which took place in Bamako, His Holiness Pope Francis unites himself in prayer to the pain of bereaved families and the sadness of all Malians. He recommends all the victims to the mercy of God, praying that the Almighty welcome them into His light. He expresses his deepest sympathy with the injured and their families, asking the Lord to bring them comfort and consolation in their ordeal. Appalled by this senseless violence, which the Pope strongly condemns, the Pope implores God for the conversion of hearts and the gift of peace, and  invokes abundance of Divine blessings on all those affected by this tragedy.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Secretary of State of His Holiness