Vatican City, Feb 18, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Pope John Paul II sent his condolences to the Iranian people affected by the train accident that claimed the lives of 300 people, including rescue workers and local authorities.
Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, sent a telegram in the Holy Father’s name, to government authorities in Iran.
The Holy Father “expresses his deepest sympathy to the authorities and to the Iranian people, once again in mourning for this railroad disaster. He entrusts the many victims to the mercy of the All Powerful and hopes that the families which have been so tried by this drama may benefit from the comfort of the solidarity of the authorities and those around them.”
“The Pope invokes on all persons touched by this terrible accident, especially the wounded and those who saved them, blessings from on high,” the message concludes.