Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic crash of an Air India aircraft that was en route to London from Ahmedabad, India. The Pope extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who perished in the catastrophe.

The ill-fated flight, AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, departed from Ahmedabad on Thursday carrying 242 individuals. Tragically, the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff into a residential zone near the airport, reportedly striking the hostel quarters of the government-run B.J. Medical College.

In a message conveyed through a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Holy Father said he was "deeply saddened by the tragedy involving an Air India aircraft near Ahmedabad." He offered prayers for the dead, invoked divine mercy upon their souls, and extended spiritual support to all involved in recovery operations.

The flight manifest revealed that the passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian, comprising 217 adults, 11 children, and 2 infants.

Heart-wrenching visuals circulating online and on television showed flames and thick smoke engulfing the crash site. Emergency responders reached the scene swiftly, with footage capturing rescue workers aiding survivors and transporting the injured on stretchers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “beyond heartbreaking,” stating that the devastation had “deeply shocked and grieved the nation.” He extended his solidarity with the victims and their families.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also reacted with dismay, calling the crash “devastating” and affirming the UK’s support in this moment of shared grief. The close relationship between India and the UK is underscored by the presence of nearly 1.9 million people of Indian origin in Britain, according to the latest UK census.