Papal condolences following airplane crash in Russia

March 21, 2016

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, sent a message of condolence in the Holy Father’s name following a plane crash in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, that claimed 62 lives.

“His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the tragic air accident in Rostov-on-Don and he sends his sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of the victims,” wrote Cardinal Parolin. “His Holiness commends the souls of the dead to the mercy of Almighty God and implores the divine gifts of consolation, strength and hope upon all who mourn their loss.”

 

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Further information:

• Il cordoglio del Santo Padre per le vittime dell’incidente aereo all’aeroporto di Rostov sul Don (Russia), 20.03.2016 (Holy See Press Office)
• Flydubai Flight 981 (Wikipedia)
• Russia plane crash: Rostov-on-Don black boxes 'damaged' (BBC)