The Pope «expresses sentiments of heartfelt sorrow to the relatives and survivors,» in a telegram sent in his name by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano.
«In entrusting to divine mercy the souls of those who died tragically, as well as all victims of violence, His Holiness guarantees his prayers so that Chechnya, with everyone’s contribution, might find the path of dialogue and reconciliation,» the papal message adds.
In the attack in Grozny’s stadium, during Victory Day ceremonies, seven people died, including Khusein Isayev, president of Chechnya’s Council of State, and a Reuters photographer, according to the Interfax news agency.
NTV television station reported on Monday that 21 people were still hospitalized. Among the wounded is General Valery Baranov, commander of the Russian troops in Chechnya, who had to have a leg amputated.
