Pope Francis sends Condolences after 14 People Killed in a Cable-Car and Prayers for 5-Year Old Survivor

In Italy a cable-car crashed, leaving 14 people dead. The crash of the cable-car occurred in the northern Italian region of Piedmont. Pope Francis sent his condolences and prayers for the lone survivor, a 5-year-old child. A telegram of condolence was sent to the Bishop Franco Giulio Brambilla of Novara, following this accident which led to the death of 14 people. The message was signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. In the telegram, the Pope expressed his “great sorrow” over the crash of the Stresa-Mottarone cable-car, which occurred on Sunday, May 23, 2021. 

 He sent his “closeness and heartfelt condolence” to the relatives of the victims. “With compassion for so many lives tragically cut short while immersed in the wonders of Creation,” the Pope offered “assurance of his prayer for the deceased and those who mourn them.” Praying for lone survivor Pope Francis also said he is praying for “little Eitan, whose delicate situation he follows with concern.” 

 Eitan Biran, a 5-year-old Israeli citizen living in Italy, was the sole survivor of the crash, and has been hospitalized in Turin with several broken bones. The Pope expressed his spiritual solidarity with the Diocese of Novara, and “embraces the beloved Italian people, saddened by this grave tragedy.” Investigation launched Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into the incident. The cable car was bringing sightseers to the Mottarone peak overlooking Lake Maggiore when the lead cable snapped. 

Edited from Vatican News