TEHRAN, Jan. 06 (MNA) – Pope Francis has expressed his “heartfelt sorrow” and extended condolences over the death of dozens of people in terrorist attacks in Iran’s southeastern city of Kerman.

The Pope conveyed his condolences on Friday in a Telegram message sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on his behalf.

The Pope was "deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life caused by the recent explosions in Kerman," and sent "the assurance of his prayers for those who have died and for their grieving families,” reported Vatican News, the official news portal of the Vatican Holy See.

Earlier on Friday, Russia’s Orthodox Bishop Patriarch Kirill sent a message of condolence to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the president of Iran over the terrorist blasts.

The Russian bishop expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, wishing peace for the families of the victims and a speedy recovery for the injured.

Condemnations and messages of condolences have been pouring in since Wednesday when two explosions targeted a ceremony marking the fourth assassination anniversary of Iran’s top general Qassem Soleimani in Kerman, with world leaders and religious figures expressing sympathy with the Iranian people and government over the tragedy.

MP/IRN