As search efforts for a lost Argentinean submarine are intensifying with it becoming increasingly urgent to find the vessel, Pope Francis has assured his fervent prayers for the situation.
In a telegram sent on his behalf by his secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis assured on Saturday his “fervent prayers” for the 44-member crew of the Argentine submarine ARA San Juan.
The San Juan was last spotted Wednesday. A US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft, also known as a submarine hunter, is now assisting in the search and is also sending a rescue submersible to the area to help with rescue efforts if the vessel is found.
The pontiff ensured families as well as the civil and military authorities of his closeness, entrusting them to “the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin” and expressing his desire for them to experience “spiritual serenity and Christian hope.”
See this report from CNN for more details on the situation.