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Pope Leo XIV Expresses Sorrow Over Toledo Train Disaster That Has Killed at Least 69 People
The Pope offers his condolences and encourages rescue workers to continue their efforts. The Church is preparing a funeral Mass in Urda and providing support to grieving families as the investigation into the collision continues.
CHURCH IN SPAIN
Ana Paula Morales (Poli)
10/29/20265 min read
Wreckage of the train cars following a collision between a Renfe AVE high-speed train and an Iryo train on October 28, 2026, between Los Yébenes and Urda, in the province of Toledo, Spain. Photo: Spanish Ministry of Defense.
Updated October 30, 2026
SPAIN — Pope Leo XIV has expressed his sorrow over the October 28 train collision between Los Yébenes and Urda, in Spain's Toledo province, where the provisional death toll has risen to at least 69. As authorities continue identifying the victims and investigating the collision between a Renfe AVE high-speed train and an Iryo train, the Catholic Church in Spain is providing pastoral support to those affected and preparing a funeral Mass for Saturday, October 31.
Spanish public broadcaster RTVE reported Friday that at least 69 people had died, while 39 remained hospitalized in Castilla-La Mancha and another four in Madrid.
In a telegram released by the Holy See on October 29, signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and addressed to Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves of Toledo, the Pontiff expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy and offered prayers for the eternal rest of those who lost their lives. He also conveyed his condolences to the victims' families, expressed his spiritual closeness to the injured and wished them a speedy recovery.
The papal message also acknowledged those responding to the emergency, encouraging rescue teams to "persevere in their rescue and assistance efforts" and imparting his blessing "as a sign of hope in the Risen Lord." The Spanish Bishops' Conference also shared the telegram, joining expressions of solidarity from Catholic communities across the country.
Funeral Mass in Urda and Support for Grieving Families
The Archdiocese of Toledo announced Friday that the parish church of St. John the Baptist in Urda will host a funeral Mass for the victims on Saturday, October 31, at noon. The celebration will be presided over by Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Francisco César García Magán, with parish communities from Urda and Los Yébenes taking part.
In the hours immediately following the accident, both bishops placed the resources of the archdiocese, the two parishes and Caritas Toledo at the disposal of those affected. In a joint statement, they expressed concern for the victims and their families, offered assistance and pastoral accompaniment, and thanked healthcare workers, emergency responders and security personnel for their efforts.
The Spanish Bishops' Conference also extended its condolences and invited Christian communities to remember the victims during their liturgical celebrations. The bishops prayed for the eternal rest of those who died, the recovery of the injured and renewed hope for their families, while also commending to God everyone involved in rescue and relief operations.
The Archdiocese of Madrid likewise expressed its sorrow and joined in prayer for the dead, the injured and their families, as well as those providing assistance.
Death Toll Remains Provisional
Forensic institutes had received the bodies of 69 victims, according to information from the High Court of Justice of Castilla-La Mancha reported by Europa Press. Forensic teams are continuing their work to establish the victims' identities and notify their families.
In its Friday update, RTVE reported that 13 victims had been identified. Castilla-La Mancha regional president Emiliano García-Page warned that the death toll could rise further. Investigations and recovery operations remain underway, meaning the figures may still change.
The Rail Accidents That Have Marked 2026
The Urda tragedy adds to a series of railway accidents and incidents of varying severity across Spain this year. Each occurred under different circumstances, which must be investigated separately without assuming a common cause before the relevant inquiries are completed.
On January 18, in Adamuz, Córdoba province, an Iryo train traveling from Málaga to Madrid derailed, in an accident that also involved a Renfe Alvia train traveling from Madrid to Huelva. Forty-six people died, according to a chronology published by RTVE.
Two days later, on January 20, between Gelida and Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, near Barcelona, a train operating on the Rodalies R4 commuter line struck a retaining wall that had collapsed onto the tracks during a storm. According to a royal decree establishing assistance for the victims, one person died and 41 others were injured.
That same day, between Tordera and Maçanet-Massanes, a rock that had fallen onto the tracks caused an axle of another train to derail. All 10 passengers on board escaped injury and were evacuated, according to Rodalies de Catalunya.
On January 22, in Alumbres, Cartagena, the boom of a crane truck working beside the Cartagena–Los Nietos railway line encroached on the railway clearance area and struck one of the carriages. Six people sustained minor injuries, according to Spanish news agency EFE.
On February 12, in Talavera de la Reina, Toledo province, an Alvia train struck a car at a level crossing, killing its 50-year-old driver. The train's 206 passengers were evacuated and continued their journey by bus, according to EFE.
More recently, on October 12, a fire in the rear driver's cab of an AVE train traveling from Madrid to Figueres forced the evacuation of 283 passengers in Ricla, Zaragoza province. No injuries were reported, but high-speed rail service between Madrid and Barcelona was temporarily disrupted, according to Renfe.
Investigation and Calls for Accountability
The Urda collision has reignited debate over railway safety in Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged to determine the causes of the crash and ensure accountability if negligence or safety failures are confirmed. Meanwhile, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the opposition People's Party, called for investigations free from interference and demanded explanations regarding the condition of railway infrastructure, according to the Spanish newspaper El País.
King Felipe VI also called for a thorough investigation into how and why the accident occurred and for measures to prevent similar tragedies. On Thursday, the King and Queen visited injured passengers at Toledo University Hospital and offered support to relatives awaiting news of their loved ones, El País reported.
As investigators gather evidence and families await answers, the Church in Toledo is preparing to bid farewell to the victims as a community. On Saturday, the parish of St. John the Baptist in Urda will bring together communities devastated by the accident to pray for those who died and stand alongside those mourning their loved ones.
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