Pope Francis sends prayers to victims of France schoolbus tragedy

Pope Francis has sent a message of condolences and closeness to all those affected by a tragic accident between a train and a school bus in the French town of Perpignan Elne last week.

In a telegramme addressed to the Bishop of Perpignan Elne, the Pope said he is united in prayer with the families of those who have lost their loved ones in the tragedy.

The collision between a train and a school bus near Perpignan in southern France on Friday left five children dead and 20 people injured.

Pope Francis said he is praying the Lord to receive in peace the young people who lost their lives and to bring comfort and hope to the wounded and to their families.

In the telegramme, that was dispatched on Friday evening, he assured all those affected by the tragedy of his spiritual closeness and said he is also praying for those called to take care of the injured and the bereaved.