The Latest: Pope asks for prayers for Colombia crash victims

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:25 p.m. ET

foxsports

LA UNION, Colombia (AP) The Latest on the aftermath of Colombian plane crash that killed members of Brazilian soccer team (all times local):

7 a.m.

Pope Francis has asked for prayers for victims of the plane crash in Colombia, noting the Brazilian people are mourning the loss of soccer players from the Chapecoense team.

He mentioned the tragedy while greeting Portuguese-speaking pilgrims at his public audience Wednesday at the Vatican.

The crash of the chartered aircraft late Monday in the Andes mountains claimed 71 lives.

Francis told the pilgrims that Italians were reminded of the 1949 Superga air crash that wiped out an Italian soccer team. Francis said, "I'd like to recall today the Brazilian people's sorrow." He urged prayers for the victims of these "harsh tragedies."

In condolence telegrams to the local Colombia bishop and to the head of the Brazilian bishops conference, Francis expressed his solidarity and consolation to families of the dead and injured.