The Holy See Press Office published Pope Francis’ telegram of condolences following the accident in Senegal (Africa), where at least 40 people lost their lives after the collision of two buses.

In the telegram, signed by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis shows his “closeness and solidarity” and joins in mourning the whole nation.

He also expressed his closeness and concern for the 85 injured in the accident and “prayed that God may welcome the deceased in his peace and light.”

Finally, he asked the Lord to bring comfort and hope “to all affected by this tragedy.”

The accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, January 8, near the town of Kaffrine.

According to local media reports, the collision resulted in the death of at least 40 people, and 85 were injured.

Senegalese President Macky Sall has declared three days of national mourning.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News.