The Diocese of Kafanchan, located in the area, estimated more than 800 people were killed, and damages to property and foodstuffs topped $17.5 million.

Cardinal Dolan said he looks forward "to asking Almighty God to inspire and guide our new President and to continue to bless our great Nation.”

The bishop said contemporary society was "showered with random data" and often showed a "frightening superficiality towards moral issues."

The four-page letter offers a "pastoral reflection" on the challenges the assisted-dying law.

Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami was one of the first Catholic Church officials to respond on Nov. 26 after the death of Fidel Castro. “The death of this figure should lead us to invoke the patroness of Cuba, the Virgin of Charity, calling for peace for Cuba and its people,” he said