Pope Leo XIV has sent condolences to the families of the victims of a ferry accident in Zimbabwe that has killed more than 90 people. Source: OSV News.
According to the Associated Press, the ferry was carrying more passengers than authorised, causing it to capsize on August 11 on Lake Kariba, situated on Zimbabwe’s northern border with Zambia.
The Vatican published a telegram yesterday, written on the Pope’s behalf by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.
“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was deeply saddened to learn of the fatal ferry accident on Lake Kariba,” Cardinal Parolin wrote. “Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, he sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss.”
Zimbabwe’s national police released an update on August 17 announcing the death toll had reached 92 after rescuers recovered eight bodies from the lake.
The police commissioner-general deployed more boats, personnel, and “other resources to coordinate the rescue of victims, search and recovery of bodies from Lake Kariba,” the national police said.
Cardinal Parolin said Pope Leo also offered “prayers for the civil authorities and emergency personnel in their ongoing response to this tragedy”.
“Upon all those affected, he invokes the divine blessings of consolation, healing and strength,” he wrote.
AP reported the ferry was traveling to rural communities in Zimbabwe’s northwest when the accident occurred. The ferry, authorised to carry 90 passengers, is believed to have carried more than 150 when it capsized.
The accident drew criticism from locals over the use of the aging ferry system. Survivors of the disaster said they pleaded with the ferry captain to turn back after the strong waves hit the boat but were dismissed, AP said.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the accident a national tragedy and acknowledged the criticism over the lake’s transportation system.
The Zimbabwean bishops’ conference offered prayers for the victims and their families, saying that “the sudden loss of a parent, spouse, child, relative or friend leaves a wound that words alone cannot heal”.
FULL STORY
Pope offers prayers for Zimbabwe ferry disaster as death toll passes 90 (By Junno Arocho Esteves, OSV News)
