Pope sends 'heartfelt condolences' for deadly train crash in India

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis has offered his heartfelt condolences to all those affected by a deadly train crash in India.

In a telegram sent Saturday on his behalf by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to the Apostolic Nuncio in India, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Pope offered his prayers and blessings following the tragedy.

The Pope said he was "deeply saddened to learn of the immense loss of life caused by the train crash in Odisha State," and assured "all affected by this tragedy of his spiritual closeness." 

He entrusted the souls of the deceased "to the loving mercy of the Almighty," and sent his "heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss."

Pope Francis concluded his message by offering prayers "for the many injured and for the efforts of the emergency service personnel," invoking upon everyone "the divine gifts of courage and consolation."

At least 280 people were killed and more than 900 injured in a horrific three-train collision in India on Friday, according to local officials.

The incident marks India's deadliest rail accident in more than 20 years.

Rescue workers are working tirelessly at the accident site of the collision, which took place near Balasore, about 200 km from the state capital, Bhubaneswar, in the eastern State of Odisha.