Pope sends prayers to those affected by Lisbon accident

 LISBON - In a telegram sent to the Patriarch of Lisbon, Pope Leo XIV has offered his “heartfelt condolences” to those affected by the funicular railway accident in Lisbon, assuring them of his “spiritual closeness,” it is reported by Vatican News.

 In his message, which was signed on his behalf by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope invokes the “strength of Christian hope for all those affected by this disaster” and prays “for the complete recovery of the injured.”

 To those who participated in the rescue operations he expressed his “special gratitude” and imparted upon all his “Apostolic Blessing,” in particular the families of the deceased.

 Portuguese authorities report 17 people dead and another 21 injured in what is being labelled as one of Lisbon’s worst tragedies in recent memory.

 An investigation is underway; however, details are few and far between. Witnesses report that the streetcar appeared out of control as it sped down a hill during evening rush hour before toppling onto a man on the sidewalk.

 The company that operated the historic “Elevador da Gloria” stated that scheduled maintenance had been carried out.

 Among the victims were visitors of other nationalities, as well as Portuguese citizens.

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