After a massive earthquake shook Taiwan last week, leaving at least 10 people dead, the island’s ambassador to the Holy See, Matthew Lee, thanked the world for its solidarity, and Pope Francis specifically for his spiritual closeness. Source: Crux.
“Pope Francis’ telegram of condolences to Taiwan, along with condolences from over 100 heads of state and senior government officials is such a tremendous encouragement not only to the Catholic community of Taiwan, but to the Taiwanese society as a whole,” he said.
Mr Lee said Pope Francis’s “heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness” at such a difficult time for Taiwan “is especially touching to the Taiwanese people.”
Mr Lee’s remarks came after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the city of Hualien on April 3, killing 10 people and leaving more than 1000 people injured and countless others displaced. As of Friday, rescuers were still searching for 18 missing people.
The tremor marked Taiwan’s strongest quake in 25 years, following a 1997 earthquake that hit the middle of the island, killing 2400 people and injuring 10,000 others.
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Taiwan envoy thanks Pope for ‘closeness’ after deadly quake (By Elise Ann Allen, Crux)
