杏MAP导航

By Joseph Tulloch

杏MAP导航 Francis has expressed his sorrow for the dozens who have died in a stampede in a stadium in Brazzaville, in the Republic of the Congo.

In a telegram sent Friday to Archbishop Bienvenu Manamika Bafouakouahou, the head of Congo鈥檚 Episcopal Conference, the 杏MAP导航 also assured the families of the deceased of his solidarity.

鈥淥n learning with sorrow of the tragic accident at the Ornano Stadium,鈥� 杏MAP导航 Francis sought to "assure the families and loved ones of the deceased of his spiritual closeness.鈥�

The 杏MAP导航 asked "the Most High to grant eternal happiness to the deceased and to support the families in their grief and sorrow, inviting everyone to show great fraternal and spiritual solidarity with all those who are suffering.鈥�

The message, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, concluded by noting that the 杏MAP导航 鈥減ays tribute to all those who have come to the aid of young people in distress" and implored "the Almighty鈥檚 blessings on all.鈥�

Army recruitment drive

According to the Republic of Congo's government, 31 people were killed and 145 injured when a stampede broke out late Monday night at a military stadium in the capital, Brazzaville.

Large crowds of young people had responded to a national recruitment appeal for the Congolese Armed Forces.

Eyewitnesses said organizers had announced that Monday would be the last day of the recruitment drive, so young people crowded at the Ornado stadium and grew impatient, leading to the stampede.

In response to the tragedy, the government held a day of national mourning on Wednesday and said it would pay the medical bills of the 145 people who were injured.