Bangalore, India, 12 June, 2025 / 7:31 pm (ACI Africa).
Pope Leo XIV on June 12 joined the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) in expressing condolences and prayers following the crash of the Air India Boeing Dreamliner to London that killed nearly 250 passengers shortly after takeoff at Ahmedabad, the commercial capital of western Gujarat state.
Stating he was “deeply saddened by the tragedy,” Leo in a message offered “heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives” while “commending the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty.”
The CBCI, meanwhile, said the “heartbreaking incident … has left the nation in shock and mourning.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives in this devastating accident,” the bishops said.
“We humbly urge all our Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill across the country to join us in prayer for the victims of this tragedy — for the eternal rest of those who have died [and] for comfort to the bereaved,” the prelates added.
