Pope Francis Expresses Spiritual Closeness with Victims of Deadly Fire in Benin

Cardinal Parolin says that Pope Francis “prays for the repose of the deceased, commending them to the mercy of God, and for the healing of the injured.”

The Holy Father “also expresses his support for those accompanying the victims of this tragedy,” the Vatican Secretary of State further says.

He continues, “Asking the Virgin Mary to bring strength and consolation to all those affected by this tragedy, the Holy Father invokes divine blessings on each person and on the whole nation as a sign of consolation.”

In the September 24 Reuter’s report, more than a dozen others were seriously injured and are being treated in hospital.

“The fire burned down the store and according to an initial assessment resulted in 35 deaths including one child,” State Prosecutor, Abdoubaki Adam-Bongle, was quoted as saying, adding that an investigation had been opened to determine the cause of the fire.

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Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.