Skip to content

Pope Francis mourns victims of a fatal accident in Senegal

Pope Francis / Image for illustrative purposes only. Credit: Vatican Media
Pope Francis / Image for illustrative purposes only. Credit: Vatican Media

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.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

I agree that EWTN will keep me informed about news, faith stories and how to best support their work. You will never receive e-mails from us that you do not want to receive. You can unsubscribe any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

More news related to this article

Catholic Church elevated in Estonia: Pope Francis creates Diocese of Tallinn

Pope Francis has elevated the Apostolic Administration of Estonia to the status of a diocese, creating the first Catholic diocese in the Baltic country.

Meet the new Nigerian secretary for the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization

From a childhood as a war refugee to a career as a Holy See diplomat, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu
Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican for recitation of the Angelus on June 21, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV: Contemplation makes Christians credible witnesses

At the Angelus, the pope urged the faithful to make room for silence before God and said “no
Dominican Friars at the Roman Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Credit: EWTN Vatican.

Dominican Gregorian Chant: A Centuries-Old Tradition of Prayer in Rome

For centuries, sacred music has flourished within the Church’s religious orders, each developing musical traditions that reflect its

Pope Francis Visits Vatican Summer Camp, Emphasizes Family Peace and Bonding with Elders

Pope Francis visits the Vatican Summer Camp, sharing wisdom on family peace and the importance of relationships with elders.

75 Years After Dogma Declaration, Mary’s Assumption Still Lifts the Church

With her bodily glorification in heaven, Mary assumes the role of mother not just with regard to Christ, but towards all those who form part of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com