By Carol Glatz
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis prayed for all those affected by a devastating earthquake in Japan, offering encouragement to emergency crews who were assisting victims and searching for survivors under the rubble.
As the official death toll from the quake reached 48 people, the pope prayed for the people of Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture, expressing his sadness and “blessings of consolation and strength” in a telegram sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, Jan. 2.
“He assures everyone affected by this disaster of his heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness, and prays especially for the dead, those who mourn their loss and for the rescue of any persons still missing,” the telegram said.
“The Holy Father offers encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they assist the victims of this tragedy,” it said.
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