Pope Francis has sent a telegram expressing his condolences for the loss of EgyptAir Flight MS-804, which crashed into the Mediterranean Sea in the night between Wednesday and Thursday, claiming the lives of 66 people – 56 passengers and 10 crewmembers. Below, please find the official text of the telegram in English… 

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His Excellency Abdel Fattah Al Sisi

President of the Arab Republic of Egypt

Cairo

Having learned with sadness of the tragic crash of the Egyptian passenger airliner, Pope Francis wishes to assure you of his prayers and solidarity at this difficult time and commends the souls of the deceased of various nationalities to the mercy of the Almighty. Upon the relatives of the passengers and all those involved in the search and rescue efforts, His Holiness invokes the divine blessings of strength and peace.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Secretary of State

Source: Vatican Radio