“Heart-felt condolences” were expressed on 19th November by Benedict XVI to the families and to the Ukrainian government authorities after the disaster that occurred in the Zasyadko mine at dawn on 18th November, in which 72 miners died (another 28 are still missing). In a telegram to the president of the Republic of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko, through the secretary of state, cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, he wrote: “Aware of the disaster that took place in the Zasyadko mine in eastern Ukraine, the Supreme Pontiff wishes to express sentiments of heart-felt condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the government authorities and the whole nation, and, whilst he ensures fervent prayers for the repose of the souls of the dead, he invokes from the Lord heavenly consolations for the injured people and for all those who grieve the dramatic loss of their beloved ones”. The Ukrainian Church invites all the parishes to pray for the victims and their families.
