Pope Leo XIV mourns lives lost in Spanish train crash

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Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV has expressed his "deep sorrow" over the tragic railway accident that occurred in central Spain on Wednesday.

He sent a message of condolence signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and addressed to Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves of Toledo.

On Wednesday, at approximately 8:54 AM local time, two high-speed trains collided in the town of Urda, Toledo.

The death toll stood at 68 but remained provisional, according to Castilla-La Mancha regional government spokesperson Esther Padilla, who added on Thursday that 53 people remained hospitalized, 15 of whom are in critical condition at various hospitals.

Search teams with sniffer dogs continued looking for victims on Thursday morning.

The Holy Father assured all those affected of his prayers for the eternal repose of the deceased and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have died, together with expressions of comfort and deep concern, and his wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.

He encouraged members of the rescue teams to persevere in their efforts to provide relief and assistance, and imparted his Apostolic Blessing.

The Spanish government has announced three days of national mourning. This was Spain's second high-speed rail disaster this year.