(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 6 - Pope Francis on Monday voiced his condolences for the estimated 1,500 victims of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria early on Monday.
    Pope Francis was "deeply saddened by the massive loss of life' caused by the earthquake in south-east Turkey, assuring all those affected of his spiritual closeness", according to a telegramme sent to the apostolic nuncio there.
    And in addition to his "closeness" and "condolences", he expressed encouragement to the rescue personnel.
    The Pontiff also expressed similar sentiments for the victims caused by the earthquake in northwest Syria, according to a second telegramme sent to the nuncio there.
    The two telegrams were sent on behalf of the Pope by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to the apostolic nuncios in Turkey and Syria, Mgr. Marek Solczynski and Card. Mario Zenari.
    (ANSA).