Pope Francis’ closeness to Glasgow after helicopter tragedy

December 03, 2013 - Pope Francis has expressed his closeness with the people of Glasgow, Scotland, where a police helicopter crashed through the roof of a crowded pub Friday, killing nine people, including 3 on board the helicopter. Authorities say 12 people remain hospitalized with injuries from the accident at the Clutha Vaults pub. Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, Archbishop Antonio Mennini conveyed the Pope’s message to Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow. Archbishop Mennini expressed the “closeness of the Holy Father” as well as his “most sincere sympathy in these difficult moments.” “I assure you of my prayers for those who have tragically lost their lives or have been injured as well as their relatives. May the Lord grant eternal rest to those who have died and comfort their relatives and the entire community of Glasgow in these moments of distress and sadness,” Archbishop Mennini wrote.