SW News: Pope Francis has expressed his closeness to all those affected by a blast in the parish building of Virgen de la Paloma and San Pedro el Real church on Calle de Toledo, near Plaza Mayor, in Madrid on Wednesday.

The explosion took place while a boiler repair was underway in the building which housed the residence of priests and parish offices.

The authorities have confirmed the death of four people including a priest, Rubén Pérez Ayala. At least six people have suffered injuries during the blast, which is suspected to have been caused by a gas leak. However, the residents of a care home next to the building as well as the staff and students at the parish school were unharmed.

In the telegram message sent by the Vatican Secretary of State, Pope Francis expressed his "closeness and affection in these difficult moments” and offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the victims.

He also entrusted the injured and their families to the mercy of the Lord. Imploring the intercession of Our Lady of Almudena, Pope Francis imparted his Apostolic Blessing "as a sign of Christian hope in the Risen Lord."