Pope Francis prays for victims of Iraqi hospital fire

Pope Francis has expressed his sadness over the fire at a Covid isolation ward at Al-Hussein hospital in Nasiriyah, and offered prayers for the victims, their families and friends in their time of grief. 

In a telegram sent by the Secretary of State to Archbishop Mitja Leskovar, Apostolic Nuncio in Iraq, the Pope "sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected by the tragic fire at the Covid isolation ward at Al-Hussein hospital in Nasiriyah. Deeply saddened, he prays especially for those who have died, and for the comfort of their families and friends who mourn their loss." 

The text concludes, "Upon the patients, staff and caregivers Pope Francis invokes God’s blessings of consolation, strength and peace." Around 92 people are believed to have died in Al-Hussein Hospital coronavirus hospital ward in the south of Iraq. Over a hundred more have been injured. The facility had just opened three months ago.