Pope Francis has sent a telegram to the Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, to express his sympathy for the Spanish sailors who lost their lives after a fishing boat was shipwrecked off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada on February 15.
Nine of the fishermen on board died, while 12 others are still missing. Only three survived.
In the telegram, the Pope offered his 'heartfelt condolences,' his 'solidarity in these moments of sorrow' and his prayers to God for the 'repose of the victims.' He also expressed his 'closeness to the families who mourn their loved ones' and prays for all those affected by the tragedy.
On every Sea Sunday, celebrated in July, the Pope typically highlights the harsh living and working conditions of sailors.
POPE FRANCIS
'I pray for them and their families, as well as for the chaplains and volunteers of the Apostolate of the Sea. A special memory for those who live in situations of undignified work at sea.'
It is one of the Pope's main concerns for fishermen.
The causes of the shipwreck have not yet been determined, yet signs point to an engine failure
and a crashing wave hitting the ship while its hatches were open and its nets had not been pulled in.
JRB
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TR: JM
