Pope Leo XIV Sends Telegram of Condolence for Spain's Train Crash that Left 69 Dead Expressing his "deep sorrow" and Prayers - FULL TEXT
Pope Leo XIV Mourns Victims of Tragic Spanish Train CollisionPope Leo XIV has expressed his "deep sorrow" following a deadly railway accident in central Spain that claimed at least 68 lives and left dozens injured.The disaster occurred at approximately 8:54 AM local time on Wednesday, when two high-speed trains collided in Urda, Toledo. According to Castilla-La Mancha regional government spokesperson Esther Padilla, the death toll now stands at 69 and remains provisional. As of Thursday, 53 people remain hospitalized, with 15 in critical condition. Search teams using sniffer dogs continue to work through the wreckage to locate victims.
In a telegram of condolences sent to Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves of Toledo and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Holy Father offered his prayers for the deceased and extended his heartfelt sympathies to grieving families. Pope Leo XIV also offered comfort and wishes for a quick recovery to the injured, while encouraging rescue personnel in their ongoing relief efforts, imparting his Apostolic Blessing upon all affected.The Spanish government has declared three days of national mourning following what is the country's second major high-speed rail disaster this year.
FULL TEXT Telegram of condolences for the victims of the train accident that occurred on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Urda, in the province of Toledo (Spain), sent - on behalf of the Holy Father Leo XIV - by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin,
to the Archbishop of Toledo, HE Monsignor Francisco Cerro Chaves:
HIS MOST REVEREND EXCELLENCE
Monsignor Francisco Cerro Chaves
ARCHBISHOP OF TOLEDO
Pope Leo XIV, deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Urda, Toledo, which has resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, offers prayers for the eternal rest of the deceased.
Likewise, the Holy Father extends his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, along with his words of comfort, heartfelt concern, and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured. His Holiness, while encouraging the members of the rescue teams to persevere in their relief and assistance efforts, wholeheartedly imparts to them all the comforting Apostolic Blessing, as a sign of hope in the Risen Lord.
CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE
HIS MOST REVEREND EXCELLENCE
Monsignor Francisco Cerro Chaves
ARCHBISHOP OF TOLEDO
Pope Leo XIV, deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Urda, Toledo, which has resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, offers prayers for the eternal rest of the deceased.
Likewise, the Holy Father extends his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, along with his words of comfort, heartfelt concern, and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured. His Holiness, while encouraging the members of the rescue teams to persevere in their relief and assistance efforts, wholeheartedly imparts to them all the comforting Apostolic Blessing, as a sign of hope in the Risen Lord.
CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE
Translation from Source: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2026/10/29/0848/01576.html
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