After two natural disasters that occurred in a few days in North America, Pope Francis decided to send two telegrams to support the victims and assure them of his prayers. Signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, and dated May 24, 2022, these messages from the Pope are addressed to Bishop Jeffrey J. Walsh of the Diocese of Gaylord (United States) and to Bishop Raymond Poisson, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The first disaster was a deadly tornado that in Gaylord, Michigan on May 20, resulted in the death of two people. Over forty people were injured and there was extensive damage. Pope Francis expressed his "sincere solidarity" with the people of the city and assured them of his prayers for the dead, the injured, the displaced and those involved in helping the victims. Readers can support the Diocesan relief efforts here.
The second disaster was a violent storm that struck southern Ontario and Quebec on May 23, killing eight people and cutting off power to more than 300,000 homes. The pontiff offered his prayers to "all those who are suffering from the effects of this calamity" and assured them of his "spiritual closeness."
