Honduras, Nuncio: prayers and solidarity for fire victims

Shock and horror continue in Honduras in the wake of a prison fire that killed nearly 360 people, while the President of Honduras, Porfirio Lobo has suspended local and national prison officials and pledged a “full and transparent” investigation into the fire, which he described as an “unacceptable” tragedy.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Honduras told Vatican Radio that Catholics are offering their prayers for and solidarity with victims and their families. “The whole Church in Honduras participates in the suffering,” he said. The Nuncio also expressed grateful appreciation for the assistance that has already begun to come from international sources.

Authorities, meanwhile, continue to investigate the blaze, though early reports say overcrowding may have played a role. When the fire broke out, there were more than 800 inmates present in the facility, which was built to accommodate 500 people. Listen