The following messages of condolences were sent on behalf of the Holy Father by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin after the accident that occurred on Monday in La Ceja, Colombia, in which 75 people lost their lives, including many Brazilians, when an aircraft crashed shortly before it was due to arrive in Medellin airport.

Message to the bishop of Sonsón-Rionegro, Msgr. Fidel León Cadavid Marín

The Holy Father, profoundly saddened by the painful news of the serious air crash which has claimed many victims, raises prayers for the eternal repose of the deceased. Likewise I ask Your Excellency to convey His Holiness’ condolences to the relatives and to those who mourn such a profound loss, along with expressions of affection, solidarity and comfort to those who are wounded and affected by the tragic event. At the same time, Pope Francis asked the Lord to bestow on them the gifts of spiritual serenity and Christian hope, and imparts a heartfelt apostolic blessing.

Message to the president of the Episcopal of Brazil

Most Eminent Cardinal Dom Sérgio Da Rocha

Archbishop of Brasilia and president of the CNBB

Shocked by the tragic news of the air accident in Colombia which has claimed numerous victims from Brazil, Pope Francis asks His Eminence to convey his condolences and his participation in the suffering of all those who mourn. At the same time, as he commends the deceased to God, Father of Mercy, the Holy Father raises prayers to heaven for the consolation and rehabilitation of the wounded, and courage and the consolation of Christian hope for all those affected by the tragedy. To those who suffer as a result of the accident he imparts the comfort of his apostolic blessing.