Three Relatives of Pope Killed in Car Crash in Argentina

Three Relatives of Pope Killed in Car Crash in Argentina

Accident Claimed Lives of a Mother, Baby and Toddler, Pope's Nephew in Critical Condition

Vatican City, August 19, 2014 (Zenit.org) Staff Reporter 

Three relatives of Pope Francis have been killed, and one remains in critical condition, after a car accident in Argentina.

Police confirmed the accident, which took place in the country's Cordoba province today, claimed the lives of two grandnephews of the pontiff, Antonio aged 8 months and Jose aged 2, along with their mother 39 year old mother, Valeria Carmona.

The Pope's nephew, Emanuel Horacio Bergoglio, 35, is in hospital in serious condition. He is the son of the Pope's late brother, Alberto Bergoglio.

According to reports, the car carrying the family was travelling between Cordoba and Rosario when it struck a truck loaded with corn. 

The director of the Holy See Press Office, Father Federico Lombard said in a statement the Pope "was informed of the tragic incident that happened to some of his relatives and is deeply saddened. He asks that all those sharing in his grief join with him in prayer.”