The Holy Father has expressed sorrow, prayers, and spiritual closeness following a devastating high-speed train collision in southern Spain that has left at least 39 people dead and scores more injured.
In a telegram released Monday and signed by the Vatican Secretary of State, Pope Leo XIV said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and offered “heartfelt condolences” to the families of those killed, according to Vatican News. The message also conveyed the Pope’s “expressions of comfort, deep concern, and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured,” while encouraging rescue teams to persevere in their efforts to assist survivors.
The Pope imparted his Apostolic Blessing to those affected, invoking “the intercession of Our Lady of the Pillar” as “a sign of hope in the Risen Lord,” according to Vatican News.
The collision occurred Sunday evening near the town of Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba, when the rear portion of a high-speed train traveling from Málaga to Madrid derailed and struck an oncoming train heading from Madrid to Huelva. Spanish authorities said roughly 400 passengers and crew were onboard both trains at the time of the crash.
Officials confirmed that at least 39 people have died, though they cautioned that the death toll may rise as recovery efforts continue. Emergency services treated more than 120 injured passengers, with at least 48 remaining hospitalized, including several children, according to Spanish authorities cited by multiple outlets.
Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente said the cause of the collision remains unknown, calling it “a truly strange” incident, according to the Daily Mail. He noted that the stretch of track had been renovated last year and that both trains were operating below the maximum permitted speed. Authorities have indicated that human error can be ruled out at this stage of the investigation.
Witnesses and officials described the impact as exceptionally violent. Regional president Juanma Moreno said bodies were found hundreds of meters from the crash site, stating that “the impact was so incredibly violent” that passengers were thrown through windows, according to remarks reported by the Daily Mail.
One of the trains involved was operated by the private company Iryo, while the other belonged to Spain’s state-run rail operator Renfe. Rescue operations continued through the night, with emergency workers searching twisted wreckage under floodlights and establishing makeshift medical and family assistance centers nearby.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, described the night of the crash as one of “deep pain” for the nation, offering condolences to grieving families.
As Spain mourns the victims, the Church joins in prayer for the dead, the injured, and all those affected by the tragedy, echoing the Holy Father’s call for hope, compassion, and perseverance amid profound loss.
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