Pope Leo XIV Prays for Bangui School Tragedy Victims, Urges Peace

• Pope Leo XIV expresses prayers for Bangui school tragedy victims.
• 29 students tragically lost their lives in a school stampede.
• Over 260 students sustained injuries during the incident.
• The stampede was triggered by an electrical explosion.
• Pope appeals for global peace and diplomatic efforts.

Pope Offers Condolences to Bangui School Community

In a heartfelt response to the tragic incident at Barthélémy Boganda High School in Bangui, Pope Leo XIV expressed his condolences and prayers for the victims. “I assure my prayers for the community of the Barthélémy Boganda High School in Bangui, in mourning for the tragic accident that caused numerous deaths and injuries among students,” he said during the Angelus address held in St. Peter’s Square. The incident, which occurred on a Wednesday, resulted in at least 29 deaths and left over 260 students injured, highlighting a devastating moment for the community.

Details Emerge from Devastating School Incident

The tragedy unfolded during a chaotic stampede triggered by an electrical explosion. This horrifying event affected more than 5,000 students who were sitting for their final exams at the time. The Ministry of Health reported that most victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while many others have been hospitalized for treatment. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of panic as students rushed to escape the unpredictable situation, creating chaos amidst an already tense moment.

Papal Appeal for Global Peace

In light of this tragedy, Pope Leo XIV extended his thoughts beyond the immediate incident, calling for a peaceful resolution to conflicts worldwide. He stated, “Brothers and sisters, let us continue to pray that weapons may fall silent everywhere and that peace may be pursued through dialogue.” This plea emphasizes the Holy Father’s continuous advocacy for peace and diplomacy, asserting the paramount need for unity and healing in times of despair.

Pope Leo XIV offers prayers for the victims of the Bangui school tragedy and emphasizes the need for peace in the world. The unfortunate stampede led to the loss of numerous lives and injuries among students, marking a significant moment of sorrow for the community. The Pope’s call for dialogue and silence of weapons underlines the urgency for diplomatic solutions in a world plagued by conflict.