Here is the Vatican-provided text of the telegram Pope Francis sent this afternoon offering his condolences for the victims of EgyptAir Flight 804 which crashed in the Mediterranean, in the night between Wednesday and Thursday, claiming 66 lives.
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His Excellency Abdel Fattah Al Sisi
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Cairo
Having learned with sadness of the tragic crash of the Egyptian passenger airliner, Pope Francis wishes to assure you of his prayers and solidarity at this difficult time and commends the souls of the deceased of various nationalities to the mercy of the Almighty. Upon the relatives of the passengers and all those involved in the search and rescue efforts, His Holiness invokes the divine blessings of strength and peace.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
[Original text: English]
