Pope Francis expressed his deep regret for the victims of the fire that occurred in a Kočani nightclub, in Macedonia del Norte, who has left at least 59 deaths and more than 100 injured.
In a telegram sent as usual in his name by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to the Bishop of Skopje, Mons. Kiro Stojanov, the Holy Father asked to convey his spiritual closeness to the relatives of the deceased, mostly young people, as well as their support for the injured.
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“Sua Holiness ensures the memory in prayer for those who have lost their lives and, while invoking the heavenly comfort for those who suffer the consequences of such a hard test, sends all the apostolic blessing,” reads the message.
The fire, which was unleashed in the early morning, has generated a deep dismay in Macedonia del Norte and has mobilized local authorities to serve those affected.
Interior Minister Pance Toskovski, who went to the place of the tragedy, said the young people attending the club used pyrotechnics, which caused the roof to grab fire. A video on social networks shows chaos inside.
Victoria Cardiel
Victoria Cardiel is a journalist specialized in social and religious information issues. Since 2013, he has covered all the news of the Vatican for various media, such as the Spanish news agency Europa Press, or the weekly of the Archdiocese of Madrid, Alfa and Omega.