Pope expresses sorrow for stampede deaths in Congo-Brazzaville

By Joseph Tulloch

Pope Francis has expressed his sorrow for the dozens who have died in a stampede in a stadium in Brazzaville, in the Republic of the Congo.

In a telegram sent Friday to Archbishop Bienvenu Manamika Bafouakouahou, the head of Congo’s Episcopal Conference, the Pope also assured the families of the deceased of his solidarity.

“On learning with sorrow of the tragic accident at the Ornano Stadium,” Pope Francis sought to "assure the families and loved ones of the deceased of his spiritual closeness.”

The Pope asked "the Most High to grant eternal happiness to the deceased and to support the families in their grief and sorrow, inviting everyone to show great fraternal and spiritual solidarity with all those who are suffering.”

The message, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, concluded by noting that the Pope “pays tribute to all those who have come to the aid of young people in distress" and implored "the Almighty’s blessings on all.”

Army recruitment drive

According to the Republic of Congo's government, 31 people were killed and 145 injured when a stampede broke out late Monday night at a military stadium in the capital, Brazzaville.

Large crowds of young people had responded to a national recruitment appeal for the Congolese Armed Forces.

Eyewitnesses said organizers had announced that Monday would be the last day of the recruitment drive, so young people crowded at the Ornado stadium and grew impatient, leading to the stampede.

In response to the tragedy, the government held a day of national mourning on Wednesday and said it would pay the medical bills of the 145 people who were injured.