Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Francis is praying for all those affected by a fatal road accident involving French pilgrims travelling to World Youth Day.

A bus carrying 23 pilgrims from the French mainland crashed in French Guiana, South America, yesterday. One passenger died and five remain in serious condition.

In a message of condolence sent by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone on the Pope’s behalf to Paris Archdiocese, the Holy Father assured all those involved in the accident of his prayers, and expressed his deepest sympathy for the victims, as well as for the rescue workers and all those around them. The Pope sent a special Apostolic Blessing to all those affected by the tragedy.

“His Holiness Pope Francis shares wholeheartedly in the pain of the families afflicted by the death of one of their own, and in that of the leaders and organisers of the group,” the message said.

The accident occurred approximately 37 miles (60km) from Saint-Laurent du Maroni on the main road connecting the city to the capital Cayenne. The young people on board where due to travel onto World Youth Day in Rio next week.

French Guiana is serving as a base for many French pilgrims before they journey onto Rio for WYD. The group involved in their accident was on its way to Kourou, where the Guiana Space Centre is located, a European spaceport from where the Ariane rocket takes off.

According to local media, the fatal victim is a girl from Paris. The bishop of French Guiana announced that Mass would be celebrated in the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral (above) in Cayenne to mark the tragedy.

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