Pope Francis Prays for victims of plane crash over Washington DC

Pope Francis expressed his closeness and grief for the victims and families of those who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash over Washington DC's Potomac River on January 30.

The collision between an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport resulted in the deaths of at least 67 people.

No survivors are believed to have been found, as more than 30 bodies have been recovered.

In a telegram to President Donald Trump, Pope Francis commended “the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God” and offered his deepest sympathies to the mourning families.

He also assured his prayers for those involved in the recovery efforts, invoking divine blessings of consolation and strength for all.

The incident occurred when a passenger jet, flying from Wichita, was approaching Reagan National Airport for landing.

Passengers, including ice skaters, families, and coaches returning from events in Wichita, Kansas, were aboard the flight.

Among the passengers were two Russian-born former world champions.

The District of Columbia fire chief overseeing the recovery efforts confirmed that work continues to find and reunite the bodies of the victims with their loved ones.

Emergency responders, including a dive team, have recovered one of the data recorders, known as the black box, from the plane.

Bishop Francis Burbridge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, which borders Washington DC, called for prayers in a post on X.

He asked for unity in prayer for all impacted by the tragedy, urging God to embrace the victims in His love, grant strength to their families, and watch over the first responders.