The Holy Father has sent his «heartfelt condolences» to the families of victims killed in a deadly plane crash in Taiwan yesterday that claimed more than 40 lives.
The telegram was sent Thursday on behalf of the Holy Father by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the Archbishop John Hung Shan-chuan of Taipei.
According to local officials, the passenger plane crashed after a failed emergency landing in Taiwan. Aviation officials said flight GE222 aborted its initial landing and then crashed.
The domestic flight, with a total of 54 passengers and four crew on board, came down near Magong airport on the outlying Penghu Island, reports said.
Yesterday, the transport minister Yeh Kuang-Shih said 47 people were killed and 11 were injured. (D.C.L.)
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Full text of the telegram:
The Most Reverend John Hung Shan-Chuan
Archbishop of Taipei
President Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference
The Holy Father learned with sadness of the air accident near Magong Airport and he asks you kindly to convey his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the assurance of his prayers for all affected by this tragedy. Upon all he invokes God’s blessings of consolation, strength and peace.
CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE
[Original text: English]
