Clutha helicopter crash: Message from Pope Francis

POPE Francis has sent a message of “sympathy” and “closeness” to the people of Glasgow after a Police helicopter crashed into the city’s Clutha Vaults pub on Friday night, killing at least nine people.

The helicopter is pulled from the wreckage on the roof of the Clutha Vaults. Picture: Getty

The message was sent by the Pope’s ambassador to the UK, Papal Nuncio Archbishop Antonio Mennini, to Archbishop of Glasgow Philip Tartaglia.

It states: “Having learned the sad news of the tragic accident which occurred in Glasgow when a police helicopter crashed into Clutha Vaults pub, close to the Cathedral, causing the death of several people and numerous injured, I would like hereby to convey to you, as Archbishop of Glasgow, the closeness of the Holy Father as well as my most sincere sympathy in these difficult moments.

“I assure you of my prayers for those who have tragically lost their lives or have been injured as well as their relatives. May the Lord grant eternal rest to those who have died and comfort their relatives and the entire community of Glasgow in these moments of distress and sadness.”

MORE ON THE CRASH:

• ’No mayday call’ from copter, say investigators

• Clutha helicopter crash: Carmichael praises police

• Teen arrested for Clutha helicopter online comments