Pope Francis expresses closeness to Glasgow after helicopter tragedy

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a message expressing his "closeness" to the people of Glasgow following a helicopter tragedy last Friday night. At least nine people were killed when a police helicopter plummeted out of the sky onto the roof of the Clutha Vaults pub filled with clients. Twelve people remained in hospital Sunday. Officers continue to sift through the wreckage at the site for other victims and to determine what caused the accident. The message from the Pope was conveyed to Glasgow Archbishop Philip Tartaglia by the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Antonio Mennini. The text reads:

Your Grace,

Having learned the sad news of the tragic accident which occurred in Glasgow when a police helicopter crashed into Clutha Vaults pub, close to the Cathedral, causing the death of several people and numerous injured, I would like hereby to convey to you, as Archbishop of Glasgow, the closeness of the Holy Father as well as my 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.

While kindly asking you to transmit these sentiments of the Holy Father and mine to all those affected by this tragedy, I remain

Yours fraternally in Christ

Archbishop Antonio Mennini
Apostolic Nuncio