VATICAN CITY, NOV. 20, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI expressed his condolences after a methane explosion in a coal mine in Donetsk, Ukraine, where the death toll is already at 88.
The Pope sent a telegram through his secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, to Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko.
He wrote: "Having learned of the disaster in the Zasyadko mine in eastern Ukraine, the Supreme Pontiff wishes to express his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government authorities and to the entire nation. While giving assurances of his fervent prayers for the souls of the deceased, he calls upon the Lord of heaven to grant consolation to the injured and to those suffering from the dramatic loss of their loved ones."
Today was declared a day of mourning across Ukraine. The Sunday explosion is the deadliest the country has ever suffered.
ZE07112003 - 2007-11-20