Skip to content

Pope Francis offers condolences after 69 die in Nepal plane crash

Pope Francis offered his condolences after at least 69 people died in a plane crash in Nepal on Sunday.

The pope sent a condolence telegram to Nepal’s President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Jan. 16 after Yeti Airlines flight 691 crashed as it was attempting to land in the Nepalese city of Pokhara.

The plane was carrying 72 passengers from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a popular base for trekkers in the Annapurna mountain range in the Himalayas.

Fifteen foreign nationals were on board, coming from India, Russia, South Korea, Argentina, France, Ireland, and Australia. At least 69 of the passengers have been confirmed dead, according to The Associated Press.

The telegram sent on the pope’s behalf by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said: “Saddened by the crash of the Yeti Airlines aircraft near Pokhara, His Holiness Pope Francis sends his condolences to you and to all affected by this tragedy, together with his prayers for those involved in the recovery efforts.”

“Commending the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty, His Holiness invokes upon those who mourn their loss the divine blessings of healing and peace.”

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Pope Francis Baptizes Ukrainian Child at the Vatican

On Monday, November 6, Pope Francis baptized Zakhariy, a 3-month-old Ukrainian baby, in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta at the Vatican.

In letter to Holy Land Christians, Pope Francis deplores the war, expresses closeness

Pope Francis on Wednesday issued a letter to the Christians of the Holy Land in preparation for Good Friday, expressing

Young European Catholics release manifesto: ‘The revolution has begun’

A project conceived as a true “spiritual revolution” was presented at the Vatican on July 2, promoted by young Christians from all over Europe who, in their search for meaning, aspire to place Christ at the center of their lives.

Cardinal Hollerich: ‘I would not define Church sexual morality so narrowly’

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, SJ, stated in a recent interview that he “would not define morality — especially sexual morality — as narrowly as the Church does today.”

Patron Saint of Fashion? Soon-to-be-Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati Dressed for God, Not for the World

Dapper indeed he was, and yet his fashion choices point to something deeper.

Controversial Iraqi Christian didn’t meet with Pope Francis privately, Vatican confirms

An Iraqi Christian figure involved in a dispute with the leader of the Catholic Church in the country

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com