(Vatican Radio) “His Holiness Pope Francis shares wholeheartedly in the pain of the
families afflicted by the death of one of their own, and in that of the leaders and
organizers of the group.”
Pope Francis learned on Thursday of a tragic accident
in French Guiana. A bus carrying young people to World Youth Day was hit head-on by
a truck, leaving one young Parisian girl dead, and three other people in critical
condition.
In a message of condolence sent by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone on
the Pope’s behalf to the Bishop of Cayenne, the capital of French Guyana, the Holy
Father assured all those involved in the accident of his prayers, and expressed his
deepest sympathy for the victims, as well as for the rescue workers and all those
around them. Pope Francis sent a special Apostolic Blessing to all those affected
by the tragedy.
The accident occurred about sixty kilometres from Saint-Laurent
du Maroni, on the main road connecting the city to Cayenne. The cause of the accident
is not yet known.
On Thursday evening, Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois, the Archbishop
of Paris, will lead a prayer vigil organised by the victims' parish in France; while
in French Guyana, the Bishop of Cayenne will offer Mass at the Cathedral.