Message from the Vatican Concerning the Ice Storm in Canada

Friday, January 16 1998

The following message was sent to Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte of Montreal from Vatican Secretary of State Angelo Cardinal Sodano in the name of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

Vatican City
January 16, 1998

His Eminence Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte
Archbishop of Montreal
President of the
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
Ottawa, ON

Your Eminence:

Having learned of the meteorological disaster that has enveloped parts of Canada, the Holy Father has instructed the Secretary of State to send you the following message:

On being informed of the weather conditions wreaking havoc in parts of Canada, especially in Quebec and Ontario, creating a catastrophic situation and forcing many to live in terrible conditions, the Holy Father prays that God strengthen the courage of the afflicted, foster a strong sense of solidarity, and support the efforts of those who toil to repair the damages so that people can be restored to better living conditions.

Praying that God, Father of mercy, welcome the victims who have died because of this disaster, His Holiness offers his sympathy to all those who are suffering, and sends his heartfelt paternal apostolic blessing as a pledge of God’s solace.

Angelo Cardinal Sodano
Secretary of State for His Holiness

Cardinal Turcotte, I wish to add my own sentiments to those of the Holy Father and also convey my own respectful greetings.

+ G.B. Re
Under-Secretary

[CCCB translation]