The Pope conveyed his condolences on Friday in a Telegram message sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on his behalf, according to Vatican News.
The Pope was "deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life caused by the recent explosions in Kerman," and sent "the assurance of his prayers for those who have died and for their grieving families,” reported Vatican News, the official news portal of the Vatican Holy See.
Earlier on Friday, Russia’s Orthodox Bishop Patriarch Kirill sent a message of condolence to the Supreme Leader and president of Iran over the terrorist attacks.
The Russian bishop expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, wishing peace for the families of the victims and a speedy recovery for the injured.
The same day, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent a message to his Iranian counterpart, extending his condolences and expressing sympathy at “these moments of sadness”. He also wished a speedy recovery for those injured in the attacks.
Also on Friday, Member of the European Parliament for Southern Italy Laura Ferrara issued a statement and expressed sympathy with the Iranian people.
Ferrara, who is also a member of Italy’s political party Five Star Movement, described the attacks as ruthless as they targeted civilians.
“We, in the Five Star Movement, are very concerned about the spiraling cycle of violence in the Middle East,” she said in her statement, calling on authorities in different countries to help moderation and rationality prevail.
Condemnations and messages of condolences have been pouring in since Wednesday when two explosions targeted a ceremony marking the fourth assassination anniversary of Iran’s top general Qassem Soleimani in Kerman, with world leaders and religious figures expressing sympathy with the Iranian people and government over the tragedy.
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