Pope Francis Prays for 19 People Killed in a Plane Crash in Tanzania

A small passenger plane crashed on November 6, 2022 into Lake Victoria on approach to an airport in Tanzania, Africa. At least nineteen people were killed in the tragedy, while twenty-six others were saved by rescuers. “We have managed to save quite a number of people,” Kagera province police commander William Mwampaghale told journalists. “When the aircraft was about 100 meters (328 feet) midair, it encountered problems and bad weather. It was raining and the plane plunged into the water,” he said.  Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said investigators had launched a probe into what had happened.

 Pope Francis is prayed for victims and survivors, and has assured all those affected by the tragedy of his spiritual closeness. 

 A telegram, addressed to the Apostolic Nunciature in Tanzania and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, says that the Holy Father is praying:

 Full text of the telegram of the Holy Father, signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State, for the victims of the plane crash on 6 November at Bukoba, Tanzania: “Having learned with sadness of the plane crash in Bukoba, His Holiness Pope Francis sends condolences and offers the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected by this tragedy, especially the families of the victims. He prays in particular for the eternal repose of the deceased, the healing of the injured and strength for those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. Upon all, His Holiness invokes the consolation and peace of Almighty God.”