The incident that took place at the Ornano Stadium during a recruitment operation by the Army of the Republic of Congo is a tragedy that resulted in the death of at least 37 people and the wounding of 200 others. It is a very regrettable event that must make us reflect on the security measures that should be taken at this type of event.
According to initial reports, the incident occurred when young people who had applied for recruitment started pushing and running in an attempt to be the first to be selected. This led to a stampede that killed many people.
We publish below the telegram of condolence for the victims of the accident that took place in the stadium in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, sent – on behalf of the Holy Father Francis – by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin – to the President of the Episcopal Conference of the country, H.E. Mgr. Bienvenu Manamika Bafouakouahou, Metropolitan Archbishop of Brazzaville:
Telegram
TO HIS EXCELLENCY
MONSIGNOR BIENVENU MANAMIKA BAFOUAKOUAHOU
PRESIDENT OF THE CEC
BRAZZAVILLE
ON LEARNING WITH GRIEF OF THE TRAGIC ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED AT ORNANO STADIUM DURING AN ARMY RECRUITMENT OPERATION, HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS HAS ASKED ME TO ASSURE THE FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES OF THE DECEASED OF HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS. ASKS THE MOST HIGH TO GRANT ETERNAL HAPPINESS TO THE DECEASED AND TO SUPPORT THE FAMILIES IN THEIR GRIEF AND SADNESS, INVITING ALL TO SHOW GREAT FRATERNAL AND SPIRITUAL SOLIDARITY WITH ALL THOSE WHO SUFFER. PAYS TRIBUTE TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE COME TO THE AID OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN DISTRESS. IMPLORES THE BLESSING OF THE ALMIGHTY UPON ALL.
CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE OF HIS HOLINESS
[Texte original: Français].
