Pope assures victims of Taiwan quake of solidarity and closeness

By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis “was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and damage caused by the earthquake in Taiwan."

The Pope sent his condolences to the nation on Thursday, in a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and sent to Bishop John Baptist Lee Keh-Mean, the president of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan. 

At least nine people died when the 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck on Wednesday, and more than 1,000 people were injured. According to the BBC, rescuers are working to reach more than 600 stranded people, while dozens of people are still reported missing.

The Pope's telegram assured those “affected by this disaster” of his "heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness.”

Pope Francis also prayed "for the dead, the injured, and all those displaced, as well as for the emergency personnel engaged in recovery efforts.”

The telegram concludes by noting the Holy Father’s invocation “upon all [of] the divine blessings of consolation and strength.”