In the wake of a devastating tragedy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Pope Francis has extended heartfelt prayers and condolences to the victims, families, and the local Church community.
According to media reports, at least 218 people have died and more than 200 others were injured after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed early Tuesday morning during a merengue concert. The nightclub, known for its cultural significance in the capital city, was hosting a crowded musical event when the disaster occurred.
In response, Pope Francis conveyed his sorrow and solidarity through a telegram sent on April 10 to Archbishop Francisco Ozoria Acosta of Santo Domingo. “The Holy Father said he was ‘deeply saddened’ by the tragic events in the Dominican Republic’s capital city and offered his ‘prayers for the eternal repose of the deceased,’” according to Vatican News.
The telegram, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, continued with words of compassion and pastoral support: “His Holiness also extends his heartfelt condolences to the relatives of the deceased, together with his expressions of consolation, his heartfelt concern and his wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the message read.
Pope Francis also took the opportunity to bless the efforts of emergency responders and hospital workers, whose tireless service is aiding survivors and assisting with recovery. He invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, offering a message of hope rooted in the resurrection: “Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, consoler of the afflicted, [the Pope grants] the comforting apostolic blessing as a sign of hope in the risen Lord,” the telegram concluded.
Meanwhile, the local Church has responded with both prayer and action. In a video message released on Wednesday, Archbishop Ozoria called on the faithful to join in spiritual and material support for the victims. “We pledge our prayers for those who have died and we also want to join in with all the collaboration of many brothers and sisters, especially by assisting, donating blood, and trying to remedy this situation for the injured,” the archbishop said, according to the Associated Press.
As of Wednesday evening, Dominican Republic authorities stated that it is too early to determine the exact cause of the collapse. An official investigation will begin once all recovery operations have concluded.
In this moment of national mourning, the Catholic Church stands united with the people of the Dominican Republic. Through prayer, solidarity, and hope in Christ, the Church offers comfort and healing to those who are suffering. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may Our Lady, consoler of the afflicted, embrace all who grieve.
