Pope Francis prays for victims of plane crash in Kazakhstan

By Vatican News

The Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has sent a telegram on behalf of Pope Francis, expressing the Holy Father’s condolences for victims of a plane crash that occurred near the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Pope Francis, the telegram says, was saddened to hear of the tragedy, and is praying “especially for the eternal repose of the deceased and for the healing of those injured”.

Twelve people were killed and dozens more were injured when the passenger crashed soon after take-off on Friday morning. The plane was carrying nearly one hundred passengers on a flight from Almaty to the capital Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana).

Below, please find the full text of the telegram, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin:

Having learned with sadness of the recent plane crash in Almaty, His Holiness Pope Francis sends his condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.  He prays especially for the eternal repose of the deceased and for the healing of those injured.  Upon all, especially those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts, His Holiness invokes the strength and peace of Almighty God.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State