An Executive Airline Services plane crashed soon after takeoff Saturday, killing those aboard as well as people on the ground.
The papal telegram, sent through Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano, states that the «Holy Father is deeply saddened to learn of the disastrous air crash at Kano, and he asks you to convey his condolences to the families and friends of the victims, whom he commends to the merciful love of Almighty God.»
It adds: «Offering sincerest sympathy to the survivors and to all afflicted by this terrible tragedy, he invokes upon them comforting and strengthening divine blessings.»
