Pope sends condolences to India after devastating monsoon

Pope Benedict XVI sent a telegram of condolence today to Indian officials following the country's devastating monsoon, saying he was praying for the hundreds of victims as well as those involved in the massive relief and rebuilding effort.

The death toll from the floods has climbed to 513, according to an official.

The Pope’s secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, said Benedict was “deeply saddened” to learn of the deaths in the most intense rains on record in Mumbai and its surrounding state.

“With fervent prayers that Almighty God will grant eternal peace to those who have died and consolation and strength to the homeless, injured and suffering, he invokes the divine gifts of wisdom, strength and peace upon the civil authorities and those engaged in the massive work of relief and rebuilding,” the telegram said.