Pope Francis prays for children who died in fire in Kemerovo shopping mall

Pope Francis is deeply saddened by the tragedy in a shopping mall in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, says a telegram signed by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and released on Monday.

"His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the fire which struck the complex in Kemerovo, and he offers heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this tragedy. Entrusting the deceased, especially the many children who lost their lives, to the merciful love of God Almighty, His Holiness offers the assurance of his prayers for all who mourn their loss. With the assurance of his spiritual closeness to the authorities and emergency personnel as they assist the injured and continue their search for the missing, Pope Francis invokes upon all the divine blessings of peace and consolation," says the message released by the Holy See Press Office quoted by TASS agency.