Pope Leo XIV mourned the 31 people killed in Monday's plane crash accident in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in a statement sent through his Secretary of State, released on July 22.
"His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life caused by the air force jet crash in Dhaka, involving students of Milestone School and College, and he entrusts the deceased to the merciful love of the almighty," said the statement, which was issued by Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of the pope.
"Praying that their families and friends may be consoled in their grief, and for the healing and comfort of the injured, the Holy Father invokes upon the entire school community and all affected by this tragedy the divine blessings of peace and strength," said the statement.
An estimated 25 of the 31 people killed were children at the school, reported the Associated Press.
The accident occurred when a Bangladeshi air force training jet crashed into a school in the country's capital city of Dhaka, said the Associated Press. The pilot was reportedly on his first-ever solo flight.
On Tuesday, protests erupted in Dhaka during what was a declared national day of mourning for those killed in the accident.
The protesters demanded accountability, a suspension of air force training flights, and for the families of those killed to receive compensation.
Pope Francis visited Bangladesh in November-December 2017.
