In a deeply sorrowful response to the tragic mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., Pope Francis extended his heartfelt condolences to the families affected and invoked divine mercy for those lost. The collision, which occurred on January 29, involved an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near the Ronald Reagan National Airport. The crash, which claimed the lives of 64 individuals, has shocked the nation and the world.
Pope Francis sent a personal message to President Donald Trump on January 30, as search efforts continued in the Potomac River where the wreckage was discovered. “After learning of the mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, I express my spiritual closeness to all those affected by this tragedy,” the pope wrote. “In commending the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, I offer my deepest sympathies to the families who are now mourning the loss of a loved one. I likewise pray for those involved in the recovery efforts and invoke upon all in the nation the divine blessings of consolation and strength” (Vatican News).
The pope’s decision to personally sign this message marked a departure from the usual practice of sending such condolences via the Vatican’s secretary of state, underscoring the profound impact of the tragedy.
The collision occurred as American Eagle Flight 5342, a regional flight en route from Wichita, Kansas, was approaching Reagan National Airport. The flight was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, on a training mission, was carrying three soldiers. Rescue teams later recovered at least 28 bodies from the Potomac River, and all passengers are believed to have perished, making this the deadliest U.S. crash in more than 20 years (Reuters).
Among the victims were members of the U.S. Figure Skating team, including Russian former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, according to Russian state media (Reuters).
As the nation grieves, investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been launched to determine the cause of the collision. Early reports suggest that the helicopter crew was aware of the approaching jetliner, based on radio communications with air traffic control (Reuters). In addition, the Pentagon has initiated its own inquiry into the incident.
Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, whose diocese is located near the crash site, also expressed his condolences and called for prayers for all those affected by this devastating tragedy. “May we be united in prayer for all those tragically impacted by the accident near Reagan airport. We ask God to embrace them in his love; to grant strength to their families; and to watch over all first responders,” the bishop posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) (CNA).
In these moments of deep sorrow, the Catholic community is reminded of the importance of prayer and spiritual support, not only for those who have lost loved ones but also for all involved in the ongoing recovery and investigation efforts. Pope Francis’s message and the words of Bishop Burbidge offer a comforting reminder of God’s eternal love and mercy in times of unimaginable grief.
