By Wesley Omondi
NAIROBI, SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 (CISA) – In the wake of the tragic fire that claimed the lives of several students at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri County, the Holy Father has expressed his deep sorrow and spiritual closeness to those affected by the disaster. In a message sent to the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, the pope conveyed his condolences and offered prayers for the victims and their grieving families.
“His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to be informed of the loss of young life that occurred during the fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary School,” the message read in part, highlighting the gravity of the tragedy.
The fire, which broke out at Hillside Endarasha Primary School on the night of September 5, 2024, resulted in the deaths of several students and left others injured. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but the emotional toll on the local community has been profound. Emergency services and local authorities acted swiftly to extinguish the blaze and rescue those trapped inside, but the devastation has left the entire nation in mourning.
In his message, Pope Francis commended the souls of the deceased to God’s mercy and offered prayers for those still suffering. His words of comfort extended not only to the families directly affected but also to the personnel and civil authorities who have been providing ongoing assistance and support in the aftermath of the fire.
“He commends the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God and offers his prayers for the personnel and civil authorities who continue to provide assistance,” reads the message signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.
The Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi, which facilitated the delivery of the pontiff’s message, also reiterated the pope’s spiritual solidarity with all those impacted. The fire has drawn national and international attention, and many institutions have already pledged support for the affected families.
In his message, Pope Francis invoked blessings of strength, peace, and consolation upon all those suffering from the effects of this calamity. His words have brought solace to many, particularly in Nyeri County, where the community has come together in prayer and support for the affected families.
“Upon all, the Holy Father invokes the Lord’s blessings of strength, peace, and consolation,” the message concluded.
