Requiem Mass for victims of Italy bus crash

(Vatican Radio) Thousands of people packed into a sports hall in the southern Italian town of Pozzuoli to take part in a Requiem Mass for the 38 people who died when a coach plunged 25 metres off a motorway viaduct in one of the worst road accidents in Italian history.

An estimated 4,000 mourners attended the Requiem Mass, which was offered by the Bishop of Pozzuoli, Gennaro Pescarella.

Earlier, Pope Francis sent a telegram of condolence for the victims, saying he shared the “profound pain that has struck the Campania region” and ensuring his “fervent prayers for the many victims”. He prayed for eternal rest for those who had died, healing for the injured, and comfort for those who are mourning the loss of loved ones.

Many of the victims, including numerous young children, came
from Pozzuoli, just outside the southern city of Naples, and
many were related, adding to the sense of loss in the sweltering
hall where the funeral was held.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the accident
focusing on suspicions of manslaughter, but no charges have been
laid and no clear indications have yet emerged as to what may
have caused the crash.

Listen to Christopher Wells' report: