Pope Leo XIV sends a telegram of condolence to Polish pilgrims involved in a car accident in Hungary, and assures the families of those who died of his prayers for their loved ones.
By Vatican News
“Pope Leo XIV learned with deep sorrow of the tragic traffic accident” in Hungary involving a bus carrying a group of Polish pilgrims returning from Medjugorje, in which 12 people lost their lives and 10 sustained serious injuries.
In a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and addressed to the bishops of the dioceses from which the pilgrims came—Archbishop Adam Szal of Przemyśl and Bishop Jan Wątroba of Rzeszów—the Pope expressed “his spiritual closeness” to all those affected by this tragic event.
Entrusted to Our Lady of Częstochowa
The Holy Father offered “special prayers” for the men and women who, “returning from their pilgrimage of faith, have concluded their earthly pilgrimage.” He went on to entrust them to the mercy of God, while calling on God to grant “comfort to their families.”
Finally, invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Częstochowa, Leo XIV commended all those affected by the tragedy to God”, and imparted his apostolic blessing as “a sign of paternal closeness and Christian hope.”
Investigation into the accident underway
The accident occurred during the night of August 15–16 on the M3 highway, in the Mezokeresztes area of Hungary, about 140 kilometres east of Budapest. An investigation is underway to determine the causes.
According to an initial reconstruction, the bus, carrying 59 people, veered off the road and overturned in a ditch—possibly because the driver fell asleep at the wheel.
The Polish and Hungarian Bishops’ Conferences also expressed their condolences and offered their prayers for the victims and the injured.
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