Pope Leo XIV mourns lives lost in Spain train collision

Vatican News·Oct 29, 2026 · 5:15 AM CT

Readthrough summary

Pope Leo XIV has sent condolences after a deadly railway accident in central Spain. The telegram, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, was addressed to Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves of Toledo.

Two high-speed trains collided at about 8:54 a.m. local time Wednesday in Urda, Toledo. The provisional death toll stood at 68, according to Castilla-La Mancha regional spokesperson Esther Padilla, who said Thursday that 53 people remained hospitalized, 15 in critical condition. Search teams with sniffer dogs kept looking for victims Thursday morning.

The Pope prayed for the eternal repose of those who died, offered condolences and comfort to their families and wishes for the recovery of the injured, encouraged rescue teams, and imparted his Apostolic Blessing. Spain's government declared three days of mourning.

Key points

68 dead (provisional), 53 hospitalized
Spain declares three days of mourning

Summary written by Readthrough from the original article. The full story, with photos and any updates, is at Vatican News.

Read the original at Vatican News

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