Vatican City, Sep 11, 2014 / 02:05 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has expressed his condolences following the brutal murder of three Italian nuns in Burundi over the weekend, assuring the community of his closeness.

“The Holy Father begs the Lord to welcome into his kingdom of peace and light these three faithful and devout nuns,” reads Sept. 8 a telegram addressed to Archbishop Evariste Ngoyagoye of Bujumbura, Burundi, where the sisters were serving in the parish of Saint Guido Maria Conforti.