WORLD IN BRIEF : MEXICO : Pope Mourns Death of Indian Pilgrims

Pope John Paul II mourned the death of 42 Indian pilgrims who suffocated under a stampede of worshipers outside a church in Chalma, about 40 miles south of Mexico City. The pontiff was “deeply moved by the sad news and tragic death of numerous faithful,” and was praying for the dead and for others injured outside the parish church, a letter sent from the Vatican said. The letter urged “heartfelt condolences” for the families of the dead. Red Cross officials said 42 people, mostly women and children, were killed and 25 injured as thousands of Ash Wednesday worshipers pushed toward the church to pay homage to the Father of Chalma. It was not known what set off the stampede.