Vatican City, Jul 22, 2004 / 22:00 pm
The Holy Father sent a message of sympathy to Archbishop Edmond Farhat, apostolic nuncio in Turkey, upon hearing of the train crash that occurred last evening between Istanbul and Ankara that killed at least 36 people and left 79 injured.
“Having learned of the dramatic train accident that happened between Istanbul and Ankara and which caused many victims,” the message reads, “the Holy Father expresses his sympathy and his spiritual closeness to the families touched by this tragedy.”
“He entrusts the deceased to the mercy of the All Powerful and he assures all the wounded and their families of his prayers, remembering also all the people who took part in the rescue operation,” read the telegram.
“The Pope presents his sincere condolences to the authorities of the country and to the Turkish people, asking everyone to show support for those tried by this catastrophe. As a sign of comfort, he implores for everyone the support of divine blessings,” the message concluded.