Pope Francis Prays for Victims of Indian Train Crash

Pope Francis expressed his prayers and solidarity on Sunday for the victims of a devastating train crash in India, which claimed the lives of at least 280 people. During his Angelus address on June 4, the pope conveyed his closeness to the injured and their families, and he called upon God to welcome the souls of the deceased into His kingdom.

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
6/5/2023 (1 year ago)

Published in Asia Pacific

Keywords: Pope Francis, train, India, crash, victims, prayers

The tragic incident occurred in the Balasore district of Odisha state, marking India's most severe railway accident in more than two decades, as reported by Reuters. The crash resulted from an error in the electronic signaling system of a passenger train, causing it to switch tracks and collide with another train, subsequently derailing both. The two trains were carrying a total of 2,296 passengers at the time of the collision.

Following the accident, Pope Francis also sent a condolence telegram to India's apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli. The telegram, conveyed on behalf of the pope by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, expressed deep sadness at the tremendous loss of life caused by the train crash in Odisha State. The pope assured all those affected by the tragedy of his spiritual closeness and entrusted the souls of the departed to the merciful embrace of the Almighty. He extended heartfelt condolences to those mourning the loss and offered prayers for the numerous injured individuals. The pope also invoked divine courage and solace upon the emergency service personnel involved in rescue efforts.

In this time of grief and suffering, Pope Francis stands in solidarity with the people of India, urging prayers for healing and strength for those impacted by the tragic train crash.