Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, on behalf of His Holiness Pope Francis, has sent a telegram of condolences to local Church and civil authorities in the affected areas following the collapse of a hydroelectric dam under construction in the province of Attape in southeast Laos, which has left hundreds missing, 6,500 displaced and 6 villages flooded. “Having learned with sadness of the loss of life and of the injury caused by the serious floods following the collapse of a hydroelectric dam in southeast Laos”, Pope Francis expresses “heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this disaster”. The Pope prays “especially for the repose of the deceased, the healing of those injured and the consolation of all those who grieve the loss of their loved ones and who fear for the lives of those still missing”. Pope Francis also encourages “civil authorities and all those involved in the search and rescue efforts as they assist the victims of this tragedy”, sending them his blessing.