” “”Deeply grieved at the news of the tragic consequences of the recent tsunami in Java, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI reassures all the affected people of his closeness in prayer”. Thus the Pontiff, in the condolence telegram for the victims of the tsunami, which on July 17th devastated the southern coasts of the Isle of Java, in Indonesia, sent today through the Secretary of State, cardinal Angelo Sodano, to the civil and ecclesiastic authorities of the country. The Holy Father, reads on the telegram, "entrusts the deceased (over 500, according to the latest count, editor’s note) to the loving mercy of the Almighty” and for the families "he invokes God’s blessings of strength and consolation. In addition, His Holiness is praying for the rescuers and all the people who are busy helping the evacuees, encouraging them to persevere in their efforts to give comfort and support”.” “
