Pope’s condolence for victims of Brazil nightclub fire
January 28, 2013 - Pope Benedict XVI on Monday expressed his grief over the death
of at least 230 college students killed in a tragic fire in a nightclub in Santa Maria,
southern Brazil. Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone sent a message
on the Pope’s behalf to Archbishop Helio Adelar Rubert of Santa Maria, expressing
the Pontiff’s condolences to the families of victims and his participation in the
pain of all mourners. The Holy Father prayed for God’s mercy on the dead, comfort
to the injured and Christian courage, hope and consolation to those affected by the
tragedy. Police say the blaze at the Boate Kiss club in Santa Maria, spread within
seconds after a flare ignited during a pyrotechnics performance appeared to set the
ceiling on fire. Many of the estimated 500 people inside were unable to find exits
as dark smoke filled the large room, and at least one exit was blocked, police said.