Pope sends condolences to victims of Hurricane Otis in Mexico

By Devin Watkins

Hurricane Otis, a record-breaking Category 5 storm, swept through Guerrero State in southwestern Mexico on Wednesday.

At least 27 people were killed and four others remain missing, according to Mexican authorities.

In the wake of the deadly storm, Pope Francis sent a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to convey his condolences to Archbishop Leopoldo Gonzalez, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Acapulco.

Prayers and fraternal charity

The Pope said he was “deeply saddened” upon hearing about the extent of the damage and loss of human life caused by the hurricane.

He offered his “fervent prayers for the eternal rest of the deceased.”

Pope Francis prayed that God might “grant His consolation to those suffering from the hurricane”.

He also urged the Christian community of Guerrero State to be filled with “ardent charity to contribute to the reconstruction of the affected areas.”

The Pope then conveyed his “heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” as well as his “paternal concern and spiritual closeness to the injured and the afflicted in the beloved community of Acapulco.”

Pope Francis wrapped up his telegram by imparting his Apostolic Blessing as a sign of “faith and hope in the Risen Christ.”