Pope Francis has sent a
letter of condolence to the family of Steven Sotloff, the second American journalist beheaded by the Islamic State (ISIS).
According to a press release from the Archdiocese of Miami,
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state of the Holy See, on Sept. 5 sent the letter on behalf of Francis.
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The letter was sent via the Apostolic Nuncio in the United States, the Most Rev. Carlo Maria Vigano, to the Archdiocese of Miami, where the Sotloff family lives.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski then delivered the letter to the Sotloff family's rabbi, Terry Bookman, who is giving the letter to the family.
The letter reads:
"His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of your son and brother, Steven Joel, and he has asked me to convey to you his prayerful condolences. He entrusts Steven's soul to the Lord and offers prayers for you and all who mourn his death.
"His Holiness urges people everywhere to reject violence, aggression and lack of compassion, and asks each one to pray and work for forgiveness, healing and peace. Upon you and your loved ones, he invokes the Almighty's blessings of consolation and strength."
A
video of Sotloff's execution by ISIS was released on Sept. 2. Another American journalist, James Foley, was beheaded earlier. A video of his killing was released by ISIS on Aug. 19.
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