Pope Expresses Sorrow Over Plane Crash in Russia

(10 Apr 10 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI today sent a telegram to Bronisław Komorowski, the Speaker of the Polish Parliament, expressing his sorrow over the death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife and all the victims of today’s plane crash in Russia.

The Holy Father offered his sincerest condolences and assured the families of those who perished of his spiritual closeness.

The accident occurred as Polish military and civilian leaders travelled to events marking the 70th anniversary of the massacre of thousands of Polish officers by Soviet secret police. All 96 on board were killed.