Pope Leo XIV Mourns Spain's Deadly Train Crash Victims
In an Oct. 29 telegram to Toledo's archbishop, he prayed for the 69 dead and assured support for families after Spain's third major rail tragedy this year.
Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram on October 29 expressing deep sorrow after a high-speed train collision near Toledo, Spain, that left dozens dead and more than 100 people injured.
The message, addressed to Archbishop Francisco Cerro of Toledo and signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, stated that the pope was "deeply saddened upon learning the painful news of the tragic railway accident." He offered "prayers for the eternal repose of the deceased" and extended "heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have died, together with expressions of comfort, pastoral concern and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured." The Holy Father also encouraged rescue teams and imparted his Apostolic Blessing.
Crash on the Madrid-Seville Line
Two high-speed trains collided just before 9 a.m. on October 28 near Urda and Los Yébenes in the province of Toledo when one train struck the rear of a stopped train, derailing cars. The death toll was later reported at 69, with more than 100 injured. The trains carried 544 passengers in total on the Madrid-Seville line. Authorities attributed the accident to human error after a signaling failure. The collision was the third major rail tragedy in Spain in 2026, following earlier crashes near Adamuz and Barcelona.
Bishops and Parishes Stand With the Grieving
The Spanish bishops' conference conveyed condolences to the families of the victims, prayed for the deceased and the injured, and asked for prayers under the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted.
Archbishop Cerro and Auxiliary Bishop César García Magán entrusted the victims to the Lord, thanked emergency services, and placed Caritas and local parishes at the service of those affected. Father José Miguel Fernández, the parish priest of Urda, offered parish facilities and Caritas assistance, stressing the need to show the Church's support and the comfort of God.