Pope Offers Prayers for Zimbabwe Ferry Disaster as Death Toll Passes 90
The Vatican said Pope Leo XIV prayed for rescue crews and invoked consolation and healing for families after the ferry disaster killed 92 people.
- His Holiness Pope Leo XIV expressed condolences on Aug. 18 to families of victims of the Aug. 11 ferry accident on Lake Kariba, which has killed more than 90 people.
- The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency ferry capsized on Aug. 11 while carrying more than 150 passengers, exceeding its 90-person authorized capacity. Survivors reported the captain ignored pleas to turn back.
- Zimbabwe's national police confirmed the death toll reached 92 on Aug. 17 after rescuers recovered eight bodies. Authorities deployed boats and personnel to coordinate the "rescue of victims, search and recovery of bodies from Lake Kariba."
- Bishop Patrick Ngwenya of Chinhoyi expressed "deep sorrow" on Aug. 17, noting several victims were parishioners in his diocese. The Diocese is coordinating "pastoral support" for grieving families.
- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the incident a national tragedy on Aug. 12, acknowledging criticism of the aging ferry system. Officials stated the disaster exposed "serious deficiencies in our maritime capabilities" requiring immediate attention.
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Catholic Review
Pope offers prayers for Zimbabwe ferry disaster as death toll passes 90
(OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV sent condolences to the families of the victims of a tragic ferry accident in Zimbabwe that has killed over 90 people. According to the Associated Press, the ferry was carrying more passengers than authorized, causing it to capsize Aug. 11 on Lake Kariba, situated on Zimbabwe’s northern border with Zambia. The Vatican published a telegram on Aug. 18, written on the pope’s behalf by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secre…
National Catholic Register
Pope Leo XIV Offers Condolences to Victims of Ferry Accident in Zimbabwe
The Pontiff offered prayers for the Zimbabwean people in a telegram on Aug. 18.
Zimbabwe: Kariba Ferry Disaster Becomes Zimbabwe's Deadliest With 92 Confirmed
THE death toll from the Rida Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster has risen to 92, making it the country's deadliest transport tragedy and surpassing the 1991 Nyanga bus disaster, which claimed 89 lives, mostly schoolchildren.
Pope Leo XIV Mourns Victims of Zimbabwe Ferry Disaster as Death Toll Rises to 92
Pope Leo XIV has mourned the victims of a ferry that capsized in Zimbabwe, offering prayers for those who died and their grieving families as the death toll from the August 11 tragedy on Lake Kariba rose to 92. In a telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Cardinal Parolin on Tuesday, August 18, the Holy Father entrusted “the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God” and offered “heartfelt condolences to those who m…
President Chamisa Statement On Kariba RIDA Boat Accident
Tinashe Sambiri| Citizens leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa has expressed concern over the rising death toll from the Kariba RIDA ferry disaster, saying the tragedy exposes serious failures in public safety and accountability. In a statement on Tuesday, Chamisa said the number of people confirmed dead had climbed to 92, with fears that the toll could…
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