May 27, 2011. (Romereports.com) The tornado swept through Joplin, Missouri leaving death and destruction along the way. The massive winds killed at least 120 people and left roughly 750 injured. In light of the tragedy, the pope sent his condolences to Bishop James Johnston Jr. of  Springfield in Missouri. In the telegram Benedict XVI asks for the eternal rest of the victims, consolation for the grieving and strength to those left homeless and injured.


The violent tornado completely destroyed St. Mary's Catholic Church. It also damaged St. John's Regional Medical Center, which is run by Sisters of Mercy. There, five people died after the 200 mile per hour tornado struck.

Through his telegram the pope assured, he is praying for the swift recovery of the town and its victims.

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