Pope Francis has sent a message of condolence for the victims of a bus crash which killed 38 pilgrims in Italy on Sunday.
According to reports, the pilgrims were on their way home from the Padre Pio shrine when their bus plunged from an elevated stretch of motorway in Irpinia, a mountainous region in Campania, in southern Italy. Another 19 people were reported seriously injured, including passengers of nearby vehicles.
The Pope’s message, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone and sent to the Cardinal Archbishop of Naples, Cresenzio Sepe, said: “Learning of the sad news of the dramatic accident which occurred on the A16 Naples-Canosa motorway viaduct, in which many people died, some of which were children, the Holy Father shares the profound pain that has struck the Campania region, while ensuring his fervent prayers for the many victims.
“The Holy Father prays that they will be granted eternal rest and invokes a special Apostolic Blessing that the Lord will heal the injured and give comfort to those who mourn loved ones.”
The tour bus carrying about 50 pilgrims was heading back to Naples after a three-day pilgrimage to Catholic shrines, including Pietralcina, birthplace of Padre Pio. The cause of the accident is yet to be confirmed.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.