Nearly 100 Killed in Explosions in Iran during Memorial Ceremony - Pope Francis Sends Condolences and Prayers
On 3 January 2024, a ceremony of the death of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp, Qasem Soleimani at his tomb in eastern Kerman, Iran, was halted by two bomb explosions. The attacks killed at least 89 people, and injured 284 others. The Iranian government declared the bombings a terrorist attack, making it the deadliest such incident in the country since 1978. The next day, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. The Vatican released that Pope Francis expressed his heartfelt condolences, sorrow, and prayers for those who were killed or injured by explosions in Kerman, Iran, and for those who mourn their loss.
Pope Francis is deeply saddened by the loss of life following the deadly explosions in Kerman, Iran, on Wednesday and is praying for those who died or were injured, and for their grieving families.
The Holy Father's condolences were sent in a telegram sent Friday by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on his behalf.
The Pope was "deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life caused by the recent explosions in Kerman," saying he sent "the assurance of his prayers for those who have died and for their grieving families."
Pope Francis also sent his "spiritual solidarity with the injured" and invoked "upon all the people of Iran the Almighty's blessings of wisdom and peace."
The militant Sunni Muslim group, through a statement posted on its affiliate Telegram channels, said two IS members had detonated explosive belts in the crowd that had gathered at the cemetery in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman on Wednesday.
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