Pope Francis met yesterday with a group of mothers who lost their children in a tragic Rail accident in Buenos Aires. According to the Argentinian newspaper, La Nacion, 8 mothers traveled to Rome and attended the Pope’s morning Mass at Santa Marta before meeting with him in the afternoon.
On February 22, 2012, a railway train crashed at the Estacion Once in Buenos Aires due to brake failure. The tragic accident left 51 people dead and over 700 injured, most of them from the first two carriages.
The then Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, criticized the irresponsibility of those in charge of safety. The accident was the second fatal accident on the same rail line.
The Holy Father recorded a video message for the relatives of the victims who were unable to come to Rome, expressing his hope that justice may be served after the investigation into the disaster.
“Through this group that has come to visit me and recalling the terrible tragedy that has happened to us, I wish to send a greeting and a blessing.” the Pope said.
“Count on my prayers, I pray for you, I pray so that the judgement you are pursuing is done justly and that the truth appears. Do not fear the truth. The truth always sets us free, Jesus said. May God bless you, I am close to you, pray for me.”
Before departing for Rome, the group explained how the Pope has supported them throughout their painful ordeal. “This group, which has struggled together since February 22, 2012, has been accompanied since the first moment by Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio,” the said in a press release before departing for Rome.
The group went on to say that their visit was an example of the “special accompaniment that the Holy Father has for those of us who have been struck by this tragedy.”
While no details of what was discussed at the meeting has been revealed, La Nacion stated that the Holy Father’s meeting with the group of mothers lasted one hour.
