BENEDICT XVI PRAYS FOR AIRLINER VICTIMS

Zenit News Agency, Italy
May 4 2006

VATICAN CITY, MAY 3, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI expressed his
sympathy on receiving the news of an airliner that smashed into the
Black Sea killing 113.

The crash occurred early today in Russian territory and involved a
plane from Armenian Airlines.

In a telegram sent in his name by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal
Angelo Sodano, the Pope invoked “the mercy of the Lord, praying that
he will receive” the victims “in his Kingdom of Peace.”

The Holy Father assured his prayers for the families of the deceased,
“the authorities and all the Armenian people.”