Pope Francis mourns victims of India train crash

'I'm still alive,' Pope Francis speaks as he leaves hospital
'I'm still alive,' Pope Francis speaks as he leaves hospital

Pope Francis mourns victims of India train crash

By Christian George

The Vatican Priest, Pope Francis has sent his heartfelt condolence to the families of the victims of the train accident in India.

The accident which occurred in Odisha State, has reportedly killed not fewer than 300 people while about 900 others have been injured.

In a telegram sent Saturday on his behalf by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the Apostolic Nuncio in India, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Pope offered his prayers and blessings following the tragedy.

According to a report by Vatican News, Pope Francis said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the immense loss of life caused by the train crash in Odisha State,” and assured “all affected by this tragedy of his spiritual closeness.”

He prayed for the souls of the deceased to rest in peace while commiserating with the families of the bereaved.

While offering his prayers, he said, “for the many injured and for the efforts of the emergency service personnel,” invoking upon everyone “the divine gifts of courage and consolation.”

More so, the collision marks India’s deadliest rail accident in more than 20 years.

Also, rescue workers are working tirelessly at the accident site of the collision, which took place near Balasore, about 200 km from the state capital, Bhubaneswar, in the eastern State of Odisha.