POPE Francis offered his prayers for the victims of the collision between the MV Saint Thomas Aquinas 1 and the MV Sulpicio Express 7 in Cebu waters Friday night.
The Pope sent Saturday a telegram of condolence signed by Vatican state secretary Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone to Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.
"His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from the ferry boat accident off the central port of Cebu. He assures all affected of his closeness in prayer and commends the victims to the loving mercy of Almighty God," Bertone said in the telegram.
"The Holy Father invokes divine strength and comfort upon the grieving families, the injured and those involved in the rescue efforts," he added.
The Philippine Red Cross said that as of 5:50 p.m. Saturday, the death toll rose to 40, while 163 remained missing.
Of the 832 passengers of M/V Saint Thomas Aquinas, which sank after the collision, 629 are survivors as of Saturday. (JK/Sunnex)