The following is the telegram sent on behalf of the Holy Father Leo XIV by the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, on the attack on the Greek-Orthodox Church of Saint Elias in Damascus:

Telegram

HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV WAS DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE LOSS OF LIFE AND DESTRUCTION CAUSED BY THE ATTACK ON THE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF MAR ELIAS IN DAMASCUS, AND HE EXPRESSES HEARTFELT SOLIDARITY WITH ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGEDY. IN COMMENDING THE SOULS OF THE DECEASED TO THE LOVING MERCY OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, HIS HOLINESS LIKEWISE PRAYS FOR THOSE WHO MOURN THEIR LOSS, FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE INJURED, AND INVOKES THE ALMIGHTY’S GIFTS OF CONSOLATION, HEALING AND PEACE UPON THE NATION.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE