Pope sends condolences following Iran air crash

The Pope expresses sadness and
condolences after a passenger
plane crashes in Iran with 176
people on board.
Pope Francis has sent a message
of condolence to all those who lost
loved ones following an air crash in
Tehran, Iran.
The Ukrainian International Air-
lines passenger plane went down on
Wednesday morning after taking off
from Imam Khomeini airport in Teh-
ran en route to Kyiv. The plane was
carrying 176 passengers, mostly from
Iran and Canada.
In the message, signed by Vatican
Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro
Parolin, Pope Francis “commends the
souls of the deceased to the merciful
love of the Almighty, and he sends
condolences to the families and
friends of those who have lost their
lives”.
The Pope also invokes God’s bless-
ings of strength and peace upon all
affected by the tragedy