HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV WAS DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE FATAL FERRY ACCIDENT ON LAKE KARIBA.  ENTRUSTING THE SOULS OF THE DECEASED TO THE LOVING MERCY OF ALMIGHTY GOD, HE SENDS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THOSE WHO MOURN THEIR LOSS.  HIS HOLINESS LIKEWISE OFFERS PRAYERS FOR THE CIVIL AUTHORITIES AND EMERGENCY PERSONNEL IN THEIR ONGOING RESPONSE TO THIS TRAGEDY.  UPON ALL THOSE AFFECTED HE INVOKES THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF CONSOLATION, HEALING AND STRENGTH.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

SECRETARY OF STATE