Pope Francis Issues Statement on Hillside Endarasha School Fire
Pope Francis has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating fire that tragically claimed the lives of 18 students at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, Kenya.
In a heartfelt telegram sent to Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri, the Pope described the incident as a “calamity” that has left the Kenyan nation in mourning.
The Pope’s message, delivered on Saturday and signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, conveyed the Pope’s profound sadness upon hearing the news. “He was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of young lives,” the telegram read. The Pope further expressed his “spiritual closeness to all who are suffering the effects of this calamity, especially the injured and the families who grieve.”
Pope Francis extended his prayers for the victims’ families, commending the souls of the deceased children to “the loving mercy of Almighty God.”
He also offered spiritual support to those injured and grieving, stating, “May the Lord’s blessings of strength, peace, and consolation be upon all those affected.” His message also recognized the efforts of those providing assistance, offering prayers for “the personnel and the civil authorities who continue to provide assistance.”
The fire, which broke out late Thursday night, ravaged a boys’ dormitory at Hillside Endarasha Academy, where over 150 boys aged between 10 and 14 were housed.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene as flames quickly consumed the dormitory, leaving little room for escape. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the tragedy has left a nation in shock.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with 70 students still unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll may rise. The grief-stricken parents and relatives have gathered at the school, clinging to hope as they await news of their missing children.
In a display of national mourning, President William Ruto, currently on an official visit to China, announced a three-day period of mourning beginning Monday. “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,” the President declared. During this period, flags across Kenya, including at the State House and all diplomatic missions, will be flown at half-mast.
President Ruto assured the nation that the government is committed to uncovering the cause of the tragedy and ensuring justice for the victims. “We shall not rest until we establish the cause of this devastating incident and ensure justice for the victims and their families,” he stated.
The fire has reignited concerns over safety standards in boarding schools across Kenya, with many parents demanding stricter regulations. As the nation mourns, Pope Francis’ words of comfort offer a beacon of hope in a time of unimaginable loss.
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Pope Francis Issues Statement on Hillside Endarasha School Fire
