Yesterday, Friday 2 June, in the Indian state of Odisha, there was a train accident involving three trains. It was one of the worst disasters the country can remember. 900 people were injured.

We publish below the telegram of condolence for the victims of the train accident in India, – sent in the name of the Holy Father Francis – from the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin to the Apostolic Nuncio in the country, H.E. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli:

Telegram

THE MOST REVEREND
LEOPOLDO GIRELLI
APOSTOLIC NUNCIO IN INDIA

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS WAS DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE IMMENSE LOSS OF LIFE CAUSED BY THE TRAIN CRASH IN ODISHA STATE, AND HE ASSURES ALL AFFECTED BY THIS TRAGEDY OF HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS. ENTRUSTING THE SOULS OF THE DECEASED TO THE LOVING MERCY OF THE ALMIGHTY, HE SENDS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THOSE WHO MOURN THEIR LOSS. HIS HOLINESS LIKEWISE OFFERS PRAYERS FOR THE MANY INJURED AND FOR THE EFFORTS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL, AND HE INVOKES UPON THEM THE DIVINE GIFTS OF COURAGE AND CONSOLATION.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
SECRETARY OF STATE