The following is the telegram of condolence sent by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin on behalf of the Holy Father Francis for the victims of a fire that broke out on a school bus in Bangkok, Thailand:

Telegram

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS WAS DEEPLY SADDENED TO BE INFORMED OF THE DEATH OF SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THEIR TEACHERS AS A RESULT OF A SCHOOL BUS CRASH OUTSIDE THE CITY OF BANGKOK. THE HOLY FATHER EXTENDS HIS PRAYERS TO ALL WHO ARE SUFFERING THE EFFECTS OF THIS TRAGEDY, ESPECIALLY THE FAMILIES WHO ARE GRIEVING, AND HE COMMENDS THE SOULS OF THE DECEASED TO THE LOVING MERCY OF THE ALMIGHTY.  UPON ALL, POPE FRANCIS INVOKES THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF STRENGTH, PEACE AND CONSOLATION.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE