The pontiff offered prayers for the Zimbabwean people in a telegram on Aug. 18.

Pope Leo XIV has offered prayers and condolences to the victims of a recent ferry accident on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Aug. 11.

In a telegram dated Aug. 18 and signed by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope expressed sadness upon learning that a ferry had sunk in Lake Kariba. According to an Aug. 12 BBC news report, at least 44 people died in the incident.

“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,” the telegram said.

The pope also offered prayers for civil authorities and first responders in their ongoing rescue efforts following the tragedy.

According to the BBC, the ferry had a capacity of 90 people on board, but it was reported that 120 boarded, including 12 children.

The vessel capsized and sank after being struck by strong waves. Rescue efforts continue to intensify, with 77 people rescued at the time of the BBC report.

Leo’s recent telegram is the third sent in August to express condolences after disasters. In an Aug. 11 telegram, he expressed closeness to the victims of a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Aug. 10, which killed at least 281 people and injured 3,971, according to Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella on Aug. 13.

In an Aug. 17 message, he offered condolences to the victims of a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia on Aug. 15, which, according to an Aug. 17 BBC news report, killed at least 53 people and left over 5,000 displaced.

This article was originally published by EWTN News English.