Pope Prays for Victims of Bangui School Tragedy and Calls for Peace

• Pope Leo XIV prays for victims of the Bangui school tragedy.
• At least 29 students died, and over 260 were injured in the incident.
• Silent diplomacy and peace were central themes in the Pope’s address.

Pope Offers Prayers for School Tragedy Victims

In a somber moment of reflection, Pope Leo XIV expressed his heartfelt condolences for the victims of the tragic stampede at Barthélémy Boganda High School in Bangui during his Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square. “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 stated. The Holy Father emphasized the need for divine comfort for the families affected by this calamity, acknowledging the profound loss suffered by the community.

Details of the Bangui Stampede Incident

The unfortunate incident that unfolded at the school saw at least 29 students lose their lives, with more than 260 others injured as they sat for their final exams. Reports indicate that an electrical explosion triggered panic among over 5,000 students, resulting in a chaotic stampede. As the Ministry of Health in the Central African Republic reported, most victims succumbed to injuries at the scene, while the injured are currently receiving medical attention in various hospitals throughout the region.

Call for Global Peace and Diplomacy

In his heartfelt conclusion to the Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV shifted his focus to the broader global scenario, expressing concern for people suffering from various conflicts. His message called for an end to violence and new diplomatic initiatives to foster peace. “Brothers and sisters, let us continue to pray that weapons may fall silent everywhere and that peace may be pursued through dialogue,” he urged, highlighting the urgent need for collective prayer and action to alleviate the struggles faced by many due to warfare.

Pope Leo XIV’s prayers for the victims of the Bangui school tragedy underline the sorrow felt by a community in mourning. The tragic incident left many families grieving and raised awareness about the urgent need for peace globally. With an appeal for diplomatic efforts, the Pope urged the world to strive for silence in conflict and pursue dialogue over violence.