Pope Francis offered his condolences to President Vladimir Putin and the Russian people after the death of 51 people in a mining explosion.
Signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the brief message assures its recipients of the Pontiff's prayers for those who died and their loved ones.
On November 25, an explosion in a coal mine in Siberia resulted in the deaths of 51 people, according to an initial report released by Russian authorities. It is the deadliest mining incident in Russia since 2010.
Among the victims, there were 46 minors and 5 rescuers. The mine is located in the Kemerovo region in southwest Siberia. The region has declared three days of mourning, while an investigation is underway into possible violations of workers' safety conditions.
