Holy Father sends condolences for deadly train collision in Greece

On Wednesday, 1 March, Pope Francis sent a telegram to Bishop Petros Stefanou of Syros, President of the Greek Bishops’ Conference, expressing his condolences for Tuesday night’s train crash near the Greek city of Larissa, where the death toll has reached 57. He assured those affected of his prayers.

“Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, [Pope Francis] offers heartfelt condolences to the families who mourn their loved ones”.

The Holy Father also conveyed his blessing upon those injured in the head-on collision and the emergency workers who are providing assistance “as a pledge of strength and solidarity in the Lord”. Pope Francis’ telegram was signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.