POPE EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES FOR VICTIMS OF GAS EXPLOSION IN ROME

VATICAN CITY, NOV 28, 2001 (VIS) - At the end of this morning's weekly general audience in the Paul VI Hall, and greetings in different languages to the pilgrims present, Pope John Paul said he had "learned with great sorrow the news of the explosion yesterday which involved a building in the Montesacro neighborhood of Rome."

He added that "In this moment of pain, I am especially close to all those who have been struck by this tragic event; to them I express sentiments of comfort and affection. Let us together call upon the Lord to grant the eternal prize to those who lost their lives, with a special thought for the firemen who died while generously fulfilling their duty. Let us pray that there will be no lack of solidarity with the families who bemoan the loss of loved ones and who must face the serious discomfort following such a grave accident."

AC;CONDOLANCES; EXPLOSION; ROME;...;...;VIS;20011128;Word: 160;