Following the tragic news of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, in the Indian state of Gujarat, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference offered his prayers for the 241 victims and their families.
“I pray for all of the victims of the tragic airplane crash in Ahmedabad, as well as their families and loved ones who will come from across the UK and India.
“I commend also the response of the local emergency services and all who are providing support to those affected.”
Meanwhile in Rome, Pope Leo expressed his condolences and offered prayers. In a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope said he was “deeply saddened by the tragedy involving an Air India aircraft near Ahmedabad.”
Pope Leo assured everyone affected of his prayers for those involved in the recovery efforts, and commended the souls of the deceased to “the mercy of the Almighty.”
Bishop Bosco MacDonald, Bishop of the Clifton Diocese in the west of England, has expressed his sorrow after a UK-bound Air India plane crashed just after take-off from Ahmedabad airport in the Gujarat region of India. Bishop MacDonald, praying for all affected, made particular reference to the impact on communities in his diocese. Read more
