Pope Francis on Monday voiced his condolences for the estimated 1,500 victims of the 7.8 magnitude Turkey and Syria earthquake that hit early on Monday.
Pope Francis was “deeply saddened by the massive loss of life caused by the earthquake in south-east Turkey, assuring all those affected of his spiritual closeness”, according to a telegram sent to the apostolic nuncio there.
He also expressed encouragement to the rescue personnel. The Pontiff also expressed similar sentiments for the victims caused by the earthquake in northwest Syria, according to a second telegram.
Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin sent the two telegrams on behalf of the Pope to the apostolic nuncios in Turkey and Syria, Mgr. Marek Solczynski and Card. Mario Zenari.
Italy sends rescue personnel to Turkey
Ankara has accepted Italy’s offer of help for the huge earthquake that has killed at least 1,800 people in Turkey and Syria. An Italian fire service and civil protection search and rescue team has left for the zone, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said today.
“Turkey has accepted the help of the Italian fire brigade search and rescue team,” he said. “At 2.15 p.m. the reconnaissance team of our Civil Defence left. The operational rescue team will also leave shortly”.
Tajani added, “Italy always stands out for its solidarity”.
