Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew addressed an official Patriarchal Letter to Felipe VI, expressing deep sorrow and solidarity following the tragic high-speed train collision in the province of Córdoba, which claimed numerous lives and left many others injured.
In his message, the Ecumenical Patriarch conveyed the profound grief of the Mother Church of Constantinople, stating: “It is with a heavy heart that we address Your Majesty and the esteemed people of Spain following the tragic high-speed train collision in the province of Córdoba, which has resulted in the sudden loss of so many innocent lives and the injury of many others.”
On behalf of the entire Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Patriarch extended his condolences and prayers to all those affected by the disaster. “We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers to the victims and their families, as well as to all those affected by this grievous calamity,” he emphasized.
Referring to the period of national mourning in Spain, the Ecumenical Patriarch added: “In this moment of national mourning for the Kingdom of Spain, we hasten to convey our wholehearted condolences to Your Majesty, the Royal Family, and the Spanish people.”
Expressing his spiritual closeness to those who mourn, he noted: “We mourn with those who grieve the untimely loss of their loved ones, and we offer our fervent supplications for the healing and swift recovery of the injured.”
Concluding his message, the Ecumenical Patriarch underlined the solidarity of the Phanar with the Spanish nation, invoking divine comfort and protection: “From the Phanar, we stand in solidarity with Your Majesty, beseeching the God of all comfort to grant strength and patience to the bereaved families and to guide and protect the emergency personnel in their noble and selfless efforts.”
