Vatican telegram in the wake of Katrina

DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECENT HURRICANE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI ASSURES ALL THOSE EFFECTED OF HIS CLOSENESS IN PRAYER.

THE HOLY FATHER COMMENDS THE DECEASED TO THE LOVING MERCY OF ALMIGHTY GOD, AND UPON THEIR GRIEVING FAMILIES HE INVOKES DIVINE BLESSINGS OF STRENGTH AND CONSOLATION.

HIS HOLINESS LIKEWISE PRAYS FOR THE RESCUE WORKERS AND ALL INVOLVED IN PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO THE VICTIMS OF THIS DISASTER, ENCOURAGING THEM TO PERSEVERE IN THEIR EFFORTS TO BRING RELIEF AND SUPPORT.

CARDINAL ANGELO SODANO

SECRETARY OF STATE