VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis sent condolences to the Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, after a train crash left at least 80 dead and more than 100 injured.
The telegram was sent on July 25, the feast of St James the Apostle, patron saint of Spain.
The accident occurred the previous day when the train, travelling above the speed limit, derailed.
Pope Francis’ message to Archbishop Julian Barrio of San-tiago de Compostela said he was praying for the victims, and he expressed his spiritual closeness to those suffering.
In Washington, the White House said at least six Americans were among those killed, injured or missing.
Among those who died was Ana-Maria Cordoba, a benefits specialist for Virginia’s Arlington Diocese. She was travelling with her husband Philippe and daughter Christina, who were listed in stable condition at the local hospital.
The Cordobas’ son Santiago had just completed a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, and the three family members were en route to meet him.
They are members of St Mary of Sorrows Parish in Fairfax, Virginia.
