Pope shares pain of families of Paris fire victims
VATICAN CITY, Italy (AP) – Pope Benedict XVI said yesterday he was united in the pain of those who lost loved ones in the Paris blaze that killed 14 children and three adults in a crowded, rundown building where African immigrants lived.
He offered his sympathy for the victims of Friday’s fire in a condolence telegram sent to Paris Archbishop Andre Vingt-Trois.
“The Holy Father joins himself through prayer to the pain of the grieving families and entrusts the victims to the mercy of God, praying that He welcomes them in His peace and in His light,” the telegram read.
Benedict also prayed that God would sustain those who lost loved ones, especially children “so that they will have the courage and find the necessary support to get through this trial”.
The pontiff expressed condolences to the injured and praised the “courageous work” of rescuers.
The Vatican press office released the text of the telegram.
