NEW YORK – Pope Francis has expressed his “spiritual closeness to all those affected” by the midair collision of a passenger plane and military helicopter at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington D.C. on Jan. 29.

“In commending the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of almighty God, I offer my deepest sympathies to the families who are now mourning the loss of a loved one,” Pope Francis said in a Jan. 30 telegram addressed to President Donald Trump.

“I likewise pray for those involved in the recovery efforts and invoke upon all in the nation the divine blessings of consolation and strength,” he continued.

Around 9 p.m. local time on Jan. 29, an American Airlines flight carrying 60 passengers and four crew members from Wichita, Kansas, collided with an army helicopter as it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport. There were three soldiers aboard the helicopter.

President Donald Trump said at a Jan. 30 news conference that “sadly, there are no survivors,” making it the deadliest air crash in the United States in nearly 24 years. As of 8 a.m. on Jan. 30, local officials in Washington said that 28 bodies had been recovered from the Potomac River. 

“In moments like this the differences between Americans fade to nothing compared to the bonds of affection and loyalty that unite us all, both as Americans and even as nations,” Trump said. “We are one family and today we are all heartbroken, we’re all searching for answers.” 

“We’re all overcome with grief for the many who have so tragically perished who will no longer be with us,” he added. “Together we take solace in the knowledge that their journey ended, not in the cold waters of the Potomac, but in the warm embrace of a loving God.” 

Trump then, without presenting evidence, said that the politics of the Biden and Obama administrations, and diversity and inclusion hiring initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration could have led to the crash. He then questioned the actions of the helicopter pilot and air traffic controller. 

The cause of the collision is still unknown. A federal investigation into the crash is underway. 

Passengers on the plane included a group of figure skaters, coaches, and family members returning from a training camp following the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, according to U.S. Figure Skating.

Cardinal Wilton Gregory, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Washington, has assured those who were affected by the tragedy of the prayers from people in the archdiocese, and worldwide. 

“Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Washington today join men and women of goodwill here and around the world in praying for those who perished in last night’s heartbreaking accident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and for their grieving families and loved ones,” Gregory said in a statement.

“We praise God for the generous assistance of our courageous first responders,” he said. “May this disaster serve as an impetus to strengthen our unity and collaboration.”  

Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington called for prayers for all those impacted by the tragedy.

“May we be united in prayer for all those tragically impacted by the accident near Reagan Airport,” Burbidge said in a statement. “We ask God to embrace them in his love, to grant strength to their families, and to watch over all first responders.”

Similarly, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore urged people to pray.

“Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives in the tragic collision at Reagan National Airport,” Lori said in a statement. “Let us pray for them and for their loved ones who mourn them. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the first responders during this very difficult time.”

Late on Jan. 29 following the news of the crash, Bishop Carl Kemme of Wichita – where the flight originated – said he was “praying for all involved.” He also noted that he was on the same flight from Wichita to Washington D.C. last week. 

“It is sobering to think that I and two other priests were on this very flight one week ago on our way to DC for the March for life,” Kemme said in a statement. “May God bring divine assistance to everyone involved.”

This story has been updated.