The following is the telegram of condolence for the victims of the tour bus accident that occurred yesterday, Tuesday 23 November, near Sofia, Bulgaria, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Francis by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the President of the Republic of North Macedonia, His Excellency Mr. Stevo Pendarovski:

Telegram

HIS EXCELLENCY STEVO PENDAROVSKI
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
SKOPJE

DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE LOSS OF LIFE AND INJURY CAUSED BY THE FATAL BUS INCIDENT IN BULGARIA, HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS EXPRESSES HEARTFELT SOLIDARITY WITH ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGEDY.MINDFUL IN PARTICULAR OF THE CHILDREN WHO HAVE DIED, HE COMMENDS THE SOULS OF THE DECEASED TO THE MERCY OF THE ALMIGHTY, AND ASSURES THE GRIEVING FAMILIES AND THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN INJURED OF HIS PRAYERS.AT THIS TIME OF NATIONAL MOURNING, HIS HOLINESS INVOKES UPON ALL THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF CONSOLATION AND PEACE.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

SECRETARY OF STATE