“The nation is in mourning today. We express our deep solidarity with the families who are mourning the loss of their loved ones in this terrible tragedy. We raise fervent prayers for the eternal rest of the victims, the healing of the wounded, and for divine strength to support rescue teams”. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and Archbishop of Goa and Daman, said this as he commented on the fatal plane crash that took place in Ahmedabad today. More than 200 victims lost their lives in the crash of the London-bound Air India flight AI 130, which went down shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The plane crashed into a densely populated area, slamming into a building housing medical students. The CBCI – representing the Latin Rite Bishops of India – expressed its “deep sorrow” at the incident and its solidarity with the affected population, invoking God’s protection over those involved in the relief efforts. “We join in prayer with all the people of good will – the statement reads –, we commend the souls of the deceased to God’s mercy, we ask for consolation and healing for the injured and traumatised, and strength for those working tirelessly amidst the rubble. The Catholic Church in India has finally reaffirmed its solidarity with the city of Ahmedabad and the whole nation, which has been hard-hit by this tragedy.