FUNERAL FOR FLOOD VICTIMS IN SARDINIA

Vatican City, 21 November 2013 (VIS) – Yesterday afternoon Archbishop Angelo Becciu, substitute of the secretary of State, attended the funeral held in the city of Olbia in Sardinia, Italy, for the victims of the recent flood. The prelate, of Sardinian origin, gave an address at the end of the rites. “As a son of this land”, he said, “I join with deep affection in your prayers for your dearly departed brothers and sisters, torn from their families by a cruel death”, manifesting the Holy Father's solidarity and expressing his sincere participation following this disaster.

“Pope Francis is spiritually present among us”, he continued, “sharing in your anguish, to urge you to maintain hope without giving in to despair, and hopes that with respect for nature and the necessary care for this territory, devastating tragedies of this type may be avoided in the future”. He also remarked that the Pope encourages all institutions to continue their commitment to providing assistance.

The archbishop commented that the Pontiff “entrusts all the people and families affected by this tragic event to the Virgin of Bonaria, so that through her maternal intercession the Lord might dry all tears and heal every wound”.