Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has forwarded a telegram in Pope Francis's name of condolence in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire on Saturday. The said tragedy in London happened on June 14, 2017 in a 220 ft high, 24-storey public housing flats in West London, North Kensington, England.
According to the Metropolitan Police, there are 30 people confirmed dead and 28 missing or presumed dead. They have also warned that this given figures has since increased, and will be updated on June 19, 2017.
There were sixty-five reported rescues by firefighters while seventy-four people were confirmed to be in different hospitals across London, with 17 in a critical condition. As much as they want to continue the searching operation, they have to stop for a day due to the unsafe conditions of the building.
Last June 17, the rescuers were able to resume the search and have reached as far as the top floor. The fast spreading of the fire is believed to have been aided by the added exterior cladding in the building. Unfortunately, the cause of the fire is still unknown.
A lot of families has lost their loved ones and left in deep sorrow by the unfortunate event that has cost numbers of lives. Vatican was also alarmed and saddened by the tragedy. Cardinal Parolin said in his telegram to Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster on June 17, "His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the devastating fire in London and the tragic loss of life and injury,"
"He entrusts the souls of those who have died to the Lord's loving mercy and offers his heartfelt condolences to their families," Cardinal Parolin added. "With appreciation for the brave efforts of the emergency service personnel and all committed to supporting those who have lost their homes, His Holiness invokes upon the local community God's blessings of strength and peace."
