Vatican City, Jun 3, 2015 / 10:32 am (CNA).- Pope Francis on Wednesday expressed his condolences to the people of China following a ferry capsizing earlier this week which claimed the lives of hundreds of people.

“I wish to express my closeness to the Chinese people in these difficult moments after the ferry disaster in the Yangtze River,” the pontiff said Jun. 3 during his weekly general audience.

“I pray for the victims, their families and for all involved in the rescue efforts.”