Here is the Vatican-provided text of the telegram Pope Francis sent Saturday offering his condolences to the victims of a plane crash in Russia.
His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the tragic air accident in Rostov-on-Don and he sends his sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of the victims. His Holiness commends the souls of the dead to the mercy of Almighty God and implores the divine gifts of consolation, strength and hope upon all who mourn their loss.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
The crash happened Saturday afternoon when a passenger jet from the United Arab Emirates crashed during a landing attempt, killing all 62 people aboard. The plane had circled the airport for some two hours waiting for the high winds to clear.
