Italy: Pope Francis prays for victims of pilgrim coach crash

Thirty eight pilgrims were killed on Sunday when a coach carrying pilgrims from the birthplace of Padre Pio plunged over a viaduct on the road between Naples and Canosa. At least ten people are seriously injured. The coach was carrying 50 passengers including several children.

A message has been sent on behalf of Pope Francis to Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, archbishop of Naples and president of the Episcopal Conference for the region of Campania, expressing condolences for the victims of the crash and their families.

The message reads: "Profoundly saddened by the news of the tragic accident, the Pope raises fervent prayers for the souls of the deceased and conveys his deepest condolences to their families. He invokes the Lord for the rapid recovery of the injured, and imparts the comfort of an apostolic blessing as a sign of consolation for those who mourn the loss of their loved ones."

Source: VIS