VATICAN CITY, MARCH 6, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Following the head-on collision of two trains in Poland on Saturday, Benedict XVI sent a telegram expressing his condolences.
The wreck killed 16 and left dozens wounded. A station manager was charged in the accident and might face prison time for directing one of the trains onto the wrong track.
Benedict XVI’s telegram was directed to the president of the Polish Episcopal Conference. In the message, signed by the Pope’s secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Holy Father addresses “expressions of spiritual closeness” to the president of the Polish bishops, asking him to assure his closeness “to all those whom this tragic event has filled with sorrow and sadness.”
“The Holy Father assures his prayer for the victims of the tragic incident and shares in the mourning of their families and of the whole of Poland,” continues the telegram.
The Pope quoted these words of Saint Paul: “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, God will bring with him those who have fallen sleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:14).
Finally, Benedict XVI “implores for all the deceased the gift of Divine Mercy and eternal life.” He wishes the wounded “a quick and complete restoration of health.”
For “ all those suffering because of the tragic incident,” the Pontiff prayed for the “gift of courage and peace even in sorrow,” imparting finally his Apostolic Blessing.
