Pope Francis has said he was “deeply saddened” by the massive earthquake on Saturday that killed more than a 1,000 people in Nepal and expressed his solidarity with those affected by the tragedy. The pontiff’s feelings were expressed in a telegram sent by his Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the Nepalese Catholic authorities. “He expresses his solidarity with all affected by this disaster and assures those who grieve for deceased family members of his closeness in prayer,” the statement read.The pontiff also “offers encouragement to the civil authorities.