Pope Francis grieves over victims of Taiwan earthquake

Pope Francis sent his condolences to those affected by a deadly earthquake which struck the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan on Saturday, causing a building collapse that has killed dozens of people.

“The Holy Father was saddened to learn of the suffering caused by the deadly earthquake which struck in Tainan, leaving many people dead or seriously injured,” reads Sunday's telegram, signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Nearly 40 people are confirmed dead after the quake which toppled an apartment block in Taiwan, although officials say the death toll could reach more than 100, Reuters reports.

Victims continue to be pulled out of the wreckage of a 17 story building which collapsed from the 6.4 magnitude earthquake, which struck 4 a.m. on Feb. 6, according to Reuters.

Pope Francis extended his “prayerful condolences to the families of the deceased and injured,” and the “rescue personnel and the civil authorities,” the telegram reads.

“His Holiness, commending the souls of the departed to the tender mercy of God, invokes abundant divine blessings of consolation and strength upon those who mourn and upon all who have been affected by this tragedy.”