[Diocese in Europe]

In the aftermath of the tragic accident involving a passenger aircraft in France Bishop Robert [Inness] today [24 March] commented: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the Germanwings air disaster. It is particularly distressing that many of those who lost their lives were young people.

“As a diocese, we express our deepest sympathies to the families from Spain, France, Germany and other European countries caught up in this tragedy. We pray for God’s peace and comfort for those who grieve. We are aware that their lives have been changed for ever by what has happened.

“I was at a meeting in the European Parliament with other religious leaders from across Europe when I heard the news. Vice President [Antonio] Tajani, who is a practising Catholic, led us all in a minute’s silence to remember the victims. It was a poignant start to a meeting concerned with inter-religious dialogue and peace.”