Pope: Condolences for Polish train wreck

In a telegram released Tuesday, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his “spiritual closeness and condolences” to the victims of last Saturday’s train wreck in Poland. He prayed for Divine Mercy and eternal life for those who died, for a speedy recovery for the injured; and for courage and peace for those who are suffering on account of the accident.

Below is the full text of the telegram, which was sent by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone on behalf of the Holy Father:



To his Excellency, Archbishop Józef Michalik, President of the Polish Episcopal Conference

Your Excellency,

His Holiness Benedict XVI has learned with sorrow the news of the train accident that occurred last Saturday night in Szczekociny, near Zawiercie, in which numerous people lost there lives and many more were injured. To you, your Excellency, as President of the Polish Episcopal Conference, he addressed expressions of spiritual closeness and of condolence, asking you to convey his communion with those whom this tragic event has filled with pain and sadness.

The Holy Father assures you of his prayers for the victims of this tragic incident, and joins in the mourning of their families and of all of Poland. He wishes to comfort them with the words of Saint Paul: “We believe… that as Jesus died and rose again, so too God will raise those who have died through Jesus together with him” (1 Thess. 4:14).

And he implores for all the dead the gift of Divine Mercy, and of life eternal. He prays for a speedy and complete recovery for all those who have been injured. And for those who grieve on account of this tragic accident, he prays for the gift of courage and of peace even in suffering. From his heart he imparts to all his Apostolic Blessing.

For my part, I too, offer my sincere condolences, in deep spiritual communion.

Sincerely in the Lord,

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State