TELEGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF SEVERE STORM IN STRASBOURG

VATICAN CITY, JUL 7, 2001 (VIS) - Following is the text of the telegram sent in Pope John Paul's name by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, to Archbishop Joseph Dore of Strasbourg for the victims of the storm which struck that city last evening, uprooting a tree which crashed on the site of an indoor concert, causing deaths and many injured:

"Informed of the hurricane which struck the Pourtales Chateau Park, causing numerous victims, the Holy Father expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families in mourning and assures his deepest sympathy and his spiritual closeness to all those touched by this drama. He recommends the souls of the departed to the mercy of God, praying the Almighty to welcome them in His peace and light. Welcoming the work of the rescuers, he asks God to comfort the wounded, especially the children, as well as those persons who are so sorely tried."

TGR;STORM; VICTIMS;...;STRASBOURG; DORE;VIS;20010709;Word: 160;