Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has extended heartfelt condolences and spiritual solidarity following a tragic plane crash in Bangladesh that claimed at least 31 lives and injured over 170, many of them school children.
In a message of sympathy delivered through the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy Father expressed his deep sorrow over the accident involving a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet that crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday.
The Pope, in his telegram, conveyed that he “entrusts the deceased to the merciful love of the Almighty” and is praying fervently for those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. He also extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and strength for all affected by the tragedy.
The F-7 BGI aircraft, a Chinese-made fighter jet, took off from A.K. Khandaker Air Base at approximately 1:06 p.m. local time and encountered a sudden technical malfunction. According to a military statement, the pilot attempted to steer the plane away from densely populated zones, but the jet ultimately crashed into a two-story school building, igniting a massive fire.
The pilot was among the deceased, and dozens of students suffered burns and other injuries. The incident marks one of the most devastating aviation disasters in Dhaka in recent memory. The military has confirmed the launch of a high-level investigation to determine the root cause of the crash.
In his message, Pope Leo also invoked “the divine blessings of peace and strength” upon the school community and all those impacted by this unforeseen calamity.
The Vatican’s outreach reflects the global concern and sorrow over the incident, as Bangladesh mourns the loss of innocent lives in what was meant to be an ordinary day of school and service.