VATICAN CITY (CNS): Pope Benedict XVI sent his condolences and words of hope to the residents of Joplin, the Missouri town struck by a devastating tornado that killed at least 123 people, the Vatican said on May 25.
The Pope was following “with deep concern” the aftermath of the May 22 tornado that flattened much of the small town and left debris, destruction and hundreds of injured in its wake, according to a letter from Vatican secretary of state Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone addressed to Bishop James Johnston of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.
Pope Benedict said he was close to the people of Joplin in prayer and “conscious of the tragic loss of life and the immensity of the work of rebuilding that lies ahead,” the letter said.
The Pope asked God “to grant eternal rest to the departed, consolation to the grieving, and strength and hope to the homeless and the injured,” the letter said.
