Pope Francis Offers Prayers to Victims of Sea Tragedy

After the tragic collision between passenger ship MV Saint Thomas Aquinas and cargo ship MV Sulpicio Express Siete off Talisay Coast on Friday night, Pope Francis on Saturday offered prayers for the victims and sent a telegram of condolence through Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

The telegram, which was signed by Vatican state secretary Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, reads: “His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from the ferry boat accident off the central port of Cebu. He assures all affected of his closeness in prayer and commends the victims to the loving mercy of Almighty God,”

Bertone said “The Holy Father invokes divine strength and comfort upon the grieving families, the injured and those involved in the rescue efforts,”

As of Monday,the death toll rises to 41 after two more bodies were recovered early morning on Monday.

Meanwhile, 2GO shipping assistant vice-president, Lito Salvio, said they already provided cash assistance of P5,000.00 to each to the 506 survivors. He added that the company also provided shelters to the survivors, hospital bills for the wounded and burial expenses.