Pope prays for victims of Russian plane crash

After the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square on the Feast of Saint Stephen, Pope Francis expressed his condolences to the Russian people and the families of victims of the Christmas day plane crash that took the lives of 92 people near Sochi.

"I express my sincere condolences for the sad news of the Russian plane that crashed into the Black Sea," the Pope said.  "May the Lord console the dear Russian people and the families of the passengers who were on board: journalists, crew and the excellent choir and orchestra of the armed forces.  May the blessed Virgin Mary sustain the search operations underway.  In 2004, the choir performed in the Vatican for the 26th year of the pontificate of Saint John Paul II.  Let us pray for them," Vatican Radio quoted him as saying.