” “"Spiritual sympathy with the citizens that have been hit by these two mournful events, as well with the whole population of the Russian Federation in these hours of anguish". These are the sentiments expressed by the Pope today in a telegram of condolence for the victims of the accident in the coal mine of Ulyanovskaya, Siberia (killing 78 people), and the tragic fire in the old people’s home in the region of Krasnodar (killing over 60 people). The telegram was sent by Benedict XVI to the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, through the Secretary of State, card. Tarcisio Bertone. "Deeply grieved by the "serious accident" in the mine and by the "violent fire" flared up in the old people’s home, "which caused the tragic death of many people and a high number of injured people", the Holy Father "raises to the Lord of Life fervent prayers for the repose" of the souls of the dead, invokes the "consolation of heaven for all those who are mourning the loss of their beloved ones" and expresses "heart-felt wishes of a speedy recovery" for the people injured in the accidents, and finally he sends his "heart-felt sympathy" to the victims’ families.” “
