[Itaewon Tragedy] Pope Prays for Victims of the Tragic Crush Accident

Pope Francis Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] Pope Francis prayed for the victims of the Itaewon crowd crush accident in Seoul.

On the 30th (local time), Pope Francis said to the congregation at the end of the Sunday prayer held at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, "Let us pray for the many victims who tragically lost their lives in the sudden crowd crush accident in Seoul last night, especially the young people."

Since the accident, leaders of major countries around the world have sent messages mourning the accident and consoling the bereaved families.

U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement on the 29th (local time), "I extend my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in Seoul," adding, "We mourn with the Korean people and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured." He continued, "The alliance between our two countries is more vibrant and energetic than ever, and the bonds between our peoples are stronger than ever," and stated, "The United States will stand with Korea during this tragic time."

Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent a condolence message to President Yoon Suk-yeol on the 30th, stating, "I understand that a crowd crush accident occurred in Seoul causing significant casualties," and "On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, I express my deepest condolences to the victims and sincere sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured."

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his condolences through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the same day, saying, "I am deeply shocked and very saddened by the very tragic accident in Itaewon, Seoul, where many people, including young people, lost their precious lives," and "I express solidarity with the Korean government and people during this difficult time." He added, "On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families," and "I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured."

Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a condolence telegram to President Yoon Suk-yeol, stating, "I express my deep condolences over the tragic accident in Seoul that caused many deaths," and "Please convey my sincere sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, and my wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured."

In addition, messages of condolence have been continuously sent from other world leaders such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as from foreign embassies in Korea.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.