Pope Francis Issues Statement On Kenya’s Hillside Endarasha School Tragedy
Pope Francis has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire that engulfed Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, killing 18 students.
In a telegram to Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri, the Pope expressed his deep sadness, calling the incident a “calamity” that has shaken the Kenyan nation.
Pope Francis said in a message signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, on Saturday that he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the loss of young lives.
He went on to express “spiritual closeness to all who are suffering the effects of this calamity, especially the injured and the families who grieve.”
UPDATE: Pope Francis expresses profound sorrow over death of 18 pupils following tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County; Pope Francis has offered prayers for victims' families & commended the souls of the departed children to "the loving mercy of Almighty God." pic.twitter.com/wDEe5HUFUs
— David Maina Ndung'u (@DNdunguMaina) September 7, 2024
The Pope prayed for the victims’ families and praised the souls of the deceased children to “the loving mercy of Almighty God.”
He also offered his spiritual support to those who were injured in the incident and are still dealing with the overwhelming grief.
He stated, “loving mercy of Almighty God” and offered his “prayers for the personnel and the civil authorities who continue to provide assistance.”
The fire broke out on Thursday night, destroying a boys’ dormitory at the school that housed over 150 boys aged 10 to 14.
According to eyewitnesses, chaos ensued as the flames quickly consumed the dormitory, leaving little room for escape.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated, and authorities have yet to release an official statement on the origin of the blaze.
As rescue efforts continue, 70 students remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that the death toll could rise.
Pope Francis’ message was not the only expression of international solidarity.
In a statement issued from China, where he is currently on an official visit, President William Ruto declared a three-day national mourning period to honor those who died.
“As a solemn testament to the indelible mark left upon the nation’s consciousness by the spirits of the eighteen departed children, Kenya shall observe a three-day period of national mourning,” President Ruto announced.
Flags across the country, including those at the State House and all Kenyan diplomatic missions, will be flown at half-mast beginning Monday and ending Wednesday at sunset.
This will be a symbolic expression of the nation’s sorrow and respect for the innocent lives lost.
While echoing Kenyans’ sorrow, the President’s statement also emphasized the government’s commitment to investigating the tragedy.
“We shall not rest until we establish the cause of this devastating incident and ensure justice for the victims and their families,” he affirmed.
Parents and relatives of the affected students are shocked, with many gathering at the school hoping for news of their missing children.
As Pope Francis continues his Apostolic Journey in Papua New Guinea, his words of comfort ring true with a bereaved nation.
“May the Lord’s blessings of strength, peace, and consolation be upon all those affected,” he wrote, offering a ray of hope in a time of darkness.
Pope Francis Issues Statement On Kenya’s Hillside Endarasha School Tragedy
