Pope sends condolences over prison riot in Mexico

Pope Francis has sent a message of condolences to the archbishop of Monterrey after 49 inmates died in a prison riot in the northern Mexican city.

Francis expresses profound sorrow over Thursday's violence and asked that his message be relayed to the victims' families. He also wishes those wounded in the melee a speedy recovery.

Mexican officials say the victims were bludgeoned, stabbed and hacked to death when feuding factions of the Zetas drug cartel clashed inside the Topo Chico prison.

Francis arrives in Mexico Friday night and he's due to celebrate Mass in the Basilica of Guadalupe on Saturday evening. The trip to Mexico runs through Wednesday.