Pope Francis sends condolences to families after deadly plane crash in Ethiopia

Pope Francis has sent his condolences to the families of the victims of the plane crash in Ethiopia. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, said in a statement Monday that the pope was sad to learn about the crash and "offers prayers for the deceased from various countries and commends their souls to the mercy of Almighty God." The statement said, "Pope Francis sends heartfelt condolences to their families, and upon all who mourn this tragic loss he invokes the divine blessings of consolation and strength."