Vatican City, Sep 9, 2014 / 05:04 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has offered prayerful condolences to the family of Steven Sotloff, a U.S. journalist who was executed earlier this month by militants of the Islamic State.

“(Pope Francis) entrusts Steven’s soul to the Lord and offers prayers for you and all who mourn his death,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, said in a telegram sent Sept. 5 to the journalist’s family on the Pope's behalf.