Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims of a deadly train accident in southern Spain that claimed at least 39 lives and left many others injured.
In a telegram released on Monday, Pope offered his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones and assured them of his prayers. The message, written in Spanish and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, said the Pope was deeply saddened by the news of the collision.
Pope Leo XIV also conveyed his closeness to the injured and wished them a speedy recovery. He encouraged rescue and emergency teams to continue their efforts to assist those affected by the tragedy.
Invoking the intercession of Our Lady of the Pillar, Pope imparted his Apostolic Blessing, offering hope and comfort in the Risen Lord to all those touched by the disaster.
The accident occurred on Sunday evening near Adamuz in southern Spain, when carriages of a train travelling to Madrid derailed onto the opposite tracks and collided with an oncoming train. Around 400 passengers and staff were on board the two trains at the time.
Spanish authorities have confirmed at least 39 deaths, though the final toll has not yet been determined. Emergency services treated 122 people at the scene, while 48 remain hospitalised. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.