Vatican City, Jul 9, 2018 / 08:46 am
Pope Francis sent his prayers and condolences to Japan Monday following the death of at least 119 people in some of the worst flooding and landslides the country has seen in decades.
Heavy rains and flooding began July 5, and have primarily affected the Hiroshima prefecture.
A July 9 telegram expressed Pope Francis' solidarity with those affected by the tragedy and noted his prayers, "especially for the repose of the deceased, the healing of those injured and the consolation of all those who grieve."
Sent on behalf of the pope by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the letter said Francis is "deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and of the injury" caused by the floods.