Pope Leo XIV expressed profound sorrow over a tragic traffic accident in Hungary that involved a bus carrying Polish pilgrims returning from Medjugorje. The incident, which resulted in the loss of 12 lives and left 10 o…
Pope Leo XIV expressed profound sorrow over a tragic traffic accident in Hungary that involved a bus carrying Polish pilgrims returning from Medjugorje. The incident, which resulted in the loss of 12 lives and left 10 others seriously injured, occurred during the night of August 15–16 on the M3 highway, near Mezokeresztes, approximately 140 kilometers east of Budapest.
In a telegram addressed to the bishops overseeing the pilgrims' home dioceses, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin conveyed the Pope’s sentiments of spiritual support. The message reached Archbishop Adam Szal of Przemyśl and Bishop Jan Wątroba of Rzeszów. The Pope assured the families affected by this disaster of his prayers for their deceased loved ones.
Pope Leo XIV extended “special prayers” to the deceased, stating that they had concluded their earthly pilgrimage after their journey of faith. He entrusted them to the mercy of God, emphasizing his desire for God to provide comfort to their families. Furthermore, he invoked the intercession of Our Lady of Częstochowa, commending all impacted by the disaster to God while imparting his apostolic blessing as a symbol of paternal care and Christian hope.
This tragic event has prompted investigations to ascertain the accident's causes. Initial reports suggest that the bus, which carried 59 individuals, veered off the road and overturned in a ditch, possibly due to the driver falling asleep at the wheel. Both the Polish and Hungarian Bishops’ Conferences have also released statements offering their condolences and prayers for the victims and the injured.
