Catholic Church offers pastoral care and comfort to victims and families after the deadly train crash in Adamuz, Spain, that left dozens dead.
Newsroom (21/01/2026 Gaudium Press ) In the aftermath of the tragic train collision that struck the town of Adamuz in southern Spain on Sunday evening, January 18, 2026, the Catholic Church has stepped forward to provide solace and pastoral care to those afflicted by the disaster. The accident, which occurred in the province of Córdoba, involved two passenger trains colliding head-on after a derailment, killing at least 39 people and leaving many more injured or missing.
By Monday morning, Bishop Jesús Fernández of Córdoba had arrived at the crash site to offer prayers and comfort to first responders and families awaiting word on missing loved ones. The diocese swiftly mobilized additional support, assigning three priests—Leopoldo Rivero, Francisco J. Granados, and Manuel Sánchez—to remain at the Poniente Sur Civic Center in Córdoba. This center has become a central point for families seeking news and emotional support as emergency crews continue their rescue and identification efforts.
The diocese framed the Church’s presence as essential in a time of “despair and uncertainty,” highlighting the importance of faith and compassion amid tragedy. Father Rivero emphasized that the Church’s mission is “to provide the spiritual care so necessary at this time,” noting that a number of passengers remain unaccounted for and could still be trapped in the wreckage.
Authorities have confirmed 41 fatalities and 152 injuries, with at least 43 people reported missing. Hospitals across the region are treating survivors, several of whom remain in critical condition. Psychologists working alongside rescue teams have been referring grieving families to the priests stationed at the civic center, encouraging them to pray together and draw comfort from shared faith and presence. “We accompany them and pray with them,” Father Rivero said, “so that they can feel warmth, closeness, and comfort in these painful hours.”
From Rome, Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep sorrow for the victims of the disaster. In a telegram released on January 19 and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope conveyed “expressions of comfort, deep concern, and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.” He urged rescue teams to persist in their “efforts of relief and assistance,” imparting his Apostolic Blessing as a sign of hope and solidarity “through the intercession of Our Lady of the Pillar.”
The tragedy occurred when a train bound for Madrid derailed onto opposing tracks, colliding with an oncoming train. According to early reports cited by the BBC, roughly 400 passengers and crew were aboard at the time of the crash. Investigations into the cause of the collision are ongoing, and officials caution that the final death toll may still rise.
Beyond the public expressions of prayer and mourning, the Church’s presence in Adamuz has offered a vital human link amid chaos and loss. As rescue teams continue their arduous search, the priests’ quiet companionship serves as both a pastoral and psychological pillar for communities shaken by Spain’s most devastating rail disaster in years.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
Related Images:
