This morning a telegram offering condolences to the families of the victims of the bomb blast in a Grozny stadium on Sunday was sent in the Pope’s name by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state. It reads as follows:

"Deeply saddened by the news of the serious attack in the Grozny stadium that has caused many victims, the Supreme Pontiff expresses sentiments of deep condolences to the family members and to the survivors. While entrusting to Divine Mercy the souls of those who so tragically died as well as all the victims of violence, His Holiness assures everyone of his prayers that Chechnya, with the contribution of everyone, may find the just path of dialogue and reconciliation."

Six people including the president of Chechnya, Akhmad Kadyrov, were killed in the explosion and about 60 people were injured.