The following is the telegram of condolence sent on behalf the Holy Father Leo XIV by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin for the victims of the earthquake in Afghanistan:

Telegram

DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF LIFE CAUSED BY THE EARTHQUAKE IN THE AREA OF EASTERN AFGHANISTAN, HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV OFFERS FERVENT PRAYERS FOR THE SOULS OF THE DECEASED, FOR THE INJURED AND FOR THOSE STILL MISSING. ENTRUSTING ALL AFFECTED BY THIS DISASTER TO THE PROVIDENCE OF THE ALMIGHTY, HE EXPRESSES HIS HEARTFELT SOLIDARITY IN PARTICULAR WITH THOSE WHO MOURN THE LOSS OF LOVED ONES AND WITH THE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AND CIVIL AUTHORITIES INVOLVED IN RESCUE AND RECOVERY EFFORTS. AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME FOR THE NATION, HIS HOLINESS INVOKES UPON THE AFGHAN PEOPLE THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF CONSOLATION AND STRENGTH.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE