Russian Catholics pray for repose of Polish brothers killed in Smolensk air crash

Interfax, April 12, 2010

Moscow, April 12, Interfax – Requiems for victims of the tragedy that killed Polish President, his wife, renowned Polish politicians and clerics are held in all Catholic churches of Central Russia these days.

"Head of the Roman Catholic Archdiosece in Moscow Paolo Pezzi expressed his condolences to Marshal of Poland's Seim Bronislaw Komorowski, spiritual leaders of the country and all Poles," Pezzi's press service told Interfax-Religion.

Archbishop confessed he was "deeply shaken" with the tragedy.

"I express my most heartfelt condolences and closeness to all people of Poland and lift up my prayers for repose of the victims and comfort of those who grieve. May the Lord accept the late in His light," the condolences message reads.

Catholic priests conducted a requiem service in the air crash site, an Interfax correspondent has reported.