Pope praying for migrants killed in Mexico road accident

By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis has expressed deep sadness and pain for the tragic accident in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas in which at least 54 people were killed and scores more injured.

More than 150 people, migrants from South America, were reportedly crammed into a truck’s trailer when the vehicle crashed and rolled, breaking the container in half and ripping off its roof.

In a telegram addressed to Archbishop Fabio Martinez Castilla of Tuxtla Gutierrez, and signed on his behalf by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope said also said he is offering his prayers for the eternal repose of the deceased.

He went on to express his closeness and consolation to the families of the victims and said he is praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Over 100 people have reportedly been taken to hospital.

“In these moments of sorrow,” the telegram reads, the Pope imparts “from his heart the comfort of his apostolic blessing as a pledge of hope in the Risen Christ.”