Pope Francis sends condolences to survivors of Mexican tragedy

Mazapil parish church

Pope Francis has sent his condolences after more than 27 people were killed in the town of Mazapil in Mexico, when a truck with defective brakes hit a religious procession, killing 27 people, and injuring hundreds of others on Wednesday. They were celebrating their patronal feast day of Jesus of Nazareth.

In a telegram to the Bishop of Zacatecas, Sigifredo Noriega Barceló, the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said Pope Francis was "greatly saddened" when he learned the news of the tragic accident, and "offers prayers for the eternal repose of those who died."

The Holy Father offers his own condolences to the families of the deceased, along with words of comfort, closeness, and wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured, and, at the same time, he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a sign of hope in the Risen Lord."Vatican Radio) The first funerals of Mexico's truck tragedy which killed 27 pilgrims, have been taking place. 43 people remain hospitalized. Ten of these are in serious condition while one is critical.

Source: VIS