Luanda, Angola, Mar 23, 2009 / 08:15 am
Prior to his homily at a Mass with bishops from the Southern Africa region yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his condolences for the two young women who were trampled to death by the crowds trying to enter the Coquerios Stadium to attend the Pope’s meeting with the Angolan youth on Saturday.
"We entrust these two young people to Jesus," the Holy Father said, praying that “He may welcome them into His kingdom.”
The Pontiff also expressed his solidarity and offered his most heartfelt condolences to “their families and friends because they had come to see me."
The New York Times reported that one of the women was identified as Celina Kiala, 22. The other woman has not yet been identified.
The Holy Father also gave assurances of his prayers for a "speedy recovery" for the 89 others who were injured in the same incident.