Vatican City, Dec 11, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Following a tragic airliner accident in Nigeria which claimed the lives of 103 people, mostly children, over the weekend, Pope Benedict has sent his personal condolences to the country and to grieving families of the victims.
Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano sent the telegram, in the Pope's name, to Bishop Alexius Obabu Mazoki of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
"Saddened by news of the great loss of life in the air tragedy near Port Harcourt,” Cardinal Sodano wrote, “the Holy Father asks you kindly to convey his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.”
“He commends the dead”, the letter continues, “to the eternal mercies of Almighty God and invokes the divine blessings of strength and peace upon all who mourn and upon all engaged in the work of relief."
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