VATICAN CITY, MARCH 22, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI sent a message expressing his sorrow over two tragedies in Russia which cost the lives of nearly 200 people.

Russia was in mourning after an explosion on Monday in a coal mine in Ulyanovskaya, Siberia, took the lives of 108 miners; and a fire in a home for the elderly in Kamyshevatskaya, on the coast of the Azov Sea, claimed 62 lives on Tuesday.

In a telegram sent to President Vladimir Putin, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, said that the Pope is "deeply saddened" about the news.

The message read: "The Holy Father expresses his spiritual closeness to the citizens affected by these sad events, as well as the entire population of the Russian Federation in these hours of anguish.

"While raising to the Lord of life a fervent prayer of mercy for the eternal rest of the departed, he invokes heaven's consolation for those who mourn the loss of their loved ones."

After wishing the "prompt recovery of those who were injured in the accidents," Benedict XVI offered his "deepest sorrow for the family of the victims, invoking for all the abundant consolations of heaven."

Code: ZE07032202

Date: 2007-03-22