Pope Offers Prayers and Condolences for Rink Victims


Pope Benedict XVI offered his prayers today for the victims of the ice rink collapse in Germany, his native country, and wished a swift recovery for the injured. Benedict said he was saddened to learn about the "tragic accident" in the Alpine town of Bad Reichenhall, where the roof of a skating rink caved in after heavy snowfall on Monday afternoon, killing at least 13 people. Eight children are among the victims.

"Pope Benedict XVI is remembering in his prayers the people killed in this tragic accident, especially the children, and he is asking the Lord for a speedy help and rescue of those still trapped," said a telegram of condolences to Cardinal Friedrich Wetter, archbishop of Munich.

Bad Reichenhall, a town of 15,000 people, lies only 20 miles from Benedict's Bavarian hometown of Traunstein.The telegram said the Pontiff was praying for the relatives of the victims."The Holy Father is also praying for the injured, to whom he wishes confidence and a quick recovery," said the telegram.

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