Pope Francis explains the figure of the priest at an important congress in RomePope Francis has sent a telegram of condolences for the victims of the shipwreck of the Spanish fishing boat Villa de Pitanxo, which occurred last Tuesday off the Canadian island of Newfoundland, sent - on behalf of the Holy Father - by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela, H.E. Msgr. Julián Barrio Barrio.
The telegram reads as follows:
"Upon hearing the sad news of the shipwreck of the fishing boat Villa de Pitanxo, which occurred on February 15, off the coast of Canada, and in which several people lost their lives, the Holy Father expresses his heartfelt condolences, as well as his solidarity, in these moments of sorrow.
His Holiness Francis raises to God his prayers for the eternal repose of the victims and also expresses his closeness to the families who mourn their loved ones. He also commends to the mercy of the Lord and to the maternal care of the Mother of God those affected by this mishap, while imparting the Apostolic Blessing, as a pledge of the constant help of the Most High and a sign of sure hope in the Resurrection".
