TELEGRAM FOR EARTHQUAKE IN MEXICO

VATICAN CITY, JAN 22, 2003 (VIS) - The following telegram was sent by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, in the name of Pope John Paul II to Archbishop Giuseppe Bertello, apostolic nuncio in Mexico, for the earthquake that struck the states of Colima and Jalisco last evening, local time:

"The Holy Father, John Paul II, deeply distressed upon learning the sad news of the earthquake in the state of Colima, which has produced so many victims and injured and such grave material damage, offers prayers for the eternal repose of the souls of those who died and raises his fervent prayers so that the Lord may grant His consolation to those affected by this tragedy and that He may inspire in everyone sentiments of solidarity to overcome adversity, encouraged by moral values always open to hope. In addition, I ask Your Excellency to convey the Holy Father's condolences to the family members and to express to those who have been injured his paternal solicitude and sentiments of closeness, at the same time as he encourages institutions and men of good will to provide effective help in these difficult moments with a generous spirit and Christian charity, while he sends his consoling and heartfelt apostolic blessing as a sign of affection to the beloved Mexican people."

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