The Holy Father offered his sincere condolences in a telegram through Cardinal Secretary of State, Tarcisio Bertone to the president of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko regarding the recent explosion in the country’s Zasyadko mine.

The explosion, which is said to be the worst in Ukraine’s post-Soviet history, took the lives of 89 workers with 11 still missing.

"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."