Condolences Sent for Mexican Plane Crash

(November 8, 2008) Pope Benedict XVI sent his condolences to Mexico upon hearing of a tragic plane crash in the nation's capital that claimed the life of a top presidential aide and eight other government officials.Interior Secretary Juan Camilo Mouriño was among the 9 passengers, including the pilot, who died Tuesday when a small government plane lost control and crashed in the middle of Lomas de Chapultepec neighbourhood of Mexico City during rush hour. Five others on the ground were killed, and at least 40 were injured. Mouriño, 37, was appointed in January to head up the nation's battle against drug cartels. In a letter addressed to Mexican President Felipe Calderón, sent through the Pope's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarciso Bertone, the Pope extended "to all the families and to the Mexican nation his heartfelt condolences, as well as he fatherly closeness." "His Holiness will offer intercessory prayers for the eternal rest of the fallen and prays to the Lord for the rapid recovery of those who were hurt."