Pope sends prayers and condolences for victims of Spain train accident

Vatican News

Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims and his “heartfelt condolences” to the families of those affected by a train collision in southern Spain on Sunday, January 18, 2026, which caused at least 39 deaths and dozens of injuries.

In a telegram released on January 19—written in Spanish and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin—Pope Leo offered his “expressions of comfort, deep concern, and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured” and was “deeply saddened” to learn of the accident.

He also encouraged “the rescue teams to persevere in their efforts of relief and assistance” and imparted “through the intercession of Our Lady of the Pillar, the comforting Apostolic Blessing, as a sign of hope in the Risen Lord.”

On Sunday evening, in Adamuz, southern Spain, carriages on a train travelling to the capital, Madrid, derailed onto the opposite tracks, colliding with an oncoming train. According to the BBC, 400 passengers and staff were onboard both trains.

Spanish authorities say at least 39 people have been killed, but the number is not yet final. Emergency services have treated 122 people, and 48 are still in the hospital. The cause of the accident remains unclear.