Vatican City, 20 May 2016 – Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin has sent a message on behalf of the Holy Father to the president of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, following the crash of an Egyptair passenger airliner over the Mediterranean yesterday afternoon, causing the deaths of the crew and all 66 passengers.

The Pope, saddened by this tragic event, assures the president 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, he invokes divine blessings of strength and peace.