Vatican City, 10 April 2016 – The Holy Father has sent via Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin a telegram of condolences to the competent authorities following a fire in the Hindu Puttingal temple in Paravour, in the state of Kerala, India. The incident occurred during a fireworks display to celebrate the Hindu new year, attended by fifteen thousand people, and has so far claimed the lives of 105 and injured more than 350.

The Pope, saddened to learn of the tragic fire, sends condolences to the relatives of the deceased and the injured. Praying for all those affected by this tragedy and for the relief efforts underway, he invokes upon the nation the divine blessings of strength and peace.