As India comes to grips with the devastating Air India Dreamliner crash that killed nearly 250 people shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, spiritual leaders from around the world have joined in mourning the tragic loss.
Among them, Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) have issued heartfelt messages of solidarity, prayer, and compassion.
Pope Leo XIV Sends Prayers from the Vatican
Speaking from the Vatican on June 12, Pope Leo XIV shared a message of sorrow and spiritual comfort following the crash of the London-bound Boeing 787.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragedy,” the pope said in his statement, offering “heartfelt condolences to the families and friends” of those who died.
He added that he was “commending the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty,” invoking the support of faith in the face of such immense grief.
Indian Bishops Call for National Solidarity and Prayer
Back in India, the Catholic Bishops Conference released its own message, echoing the pope’s sentiments and calling the crash a “heartbreaking incident” that has “left the nation in shock and mourning.”
Their message wasn’t just one of condolences—it was also a call to action.
The bishops urged all Catholics and people of goodwill across the country to pause and pray: for the souls of those lost, for comfort to grieving families, and for strength for the emergency workers still laboring at the crash site.
Church Leaders Acknowledge the Sacrifice of First Responders
In their message, the CBCI also extended support to the rescue teams and first responders who have been working around the clock amidst the wreckage.
“We stand in solidarity,” the bishops said, recognizing the immense emotional and physical toll of searching through such devastation.
Confirmed Death Toll Nears 250 with Only One Possible Survivor
According to officials, 241 people aboard the aircraft have been confirmed dead.
The wide-bodied Boeing jet, which was fully loaded with fuel for its transcontinental journey to London, exploded just seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad International Airport, reportedly without ever gaining proper altitude.
While there have been reports of a possible sole survivor, no confirmation has been made at the time of writing.
Investigators are still combing through the debris, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Mourning a National Tragedy Together
In the face of such overwhelming loss, faith communities and leaders across India and beyond are uniting in prayer, reflection, and support.
The messages from both the Vatican and Indian bishops reflect the deep emotional impact this disaster has had not only on those who lost loved ones but on the nation as a whole.
As the investigation continues and the country begins the long road to healing, the voices of spiritual leaders offer a reminder: even in moments of great tragedy, compassion and unity remain powerful sources of hope.