Plane debris at the site where a China Eastern Airlines Boeing crashed

POPE

Pope prays for victims of air crash in southern China

In a telegram Pope Francis expresses his sorrow for those who have lost their lives in a “China Eastern” air crash and prays for them and their families.

By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis has sent his heartfelt condolences to all those affected by an air accident in southern China in which 123 passengers and nine crew have lost their lives.

In a telegram, signed on his behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and addressed to Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, the Pope said he is saddened by the news and is praying for those who have lost their lives and for the consolation of those who grieve them.

“Upon all, His Holiness invokes divine blessings”

Rescuers have found no survivors so far from the plane, carrying 132 people, which crashed into the hills in southern China on Monday.

Crash investigators said they have no information as to why China Eastern flight MU5735 came down. Meanwhile, rescue operations continue but are reportedly hampered by the difficult terrain in the steeply forested slopes in Wushou where debris from the plane was strewn after it broke apart and burst into flames.

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