Mags GarganPope’s two-great nephews and their mother killed in a car crash in Argentina.
Pope Francis is reported to be "profoundly saddened" by the deaths of his two-great nephews and their mother in a car crash in Argentina. Emanuel Bergoglio, the 38-year-old nephew of Pope Francis was hospitalised.
The accident took place on a provincial highway on Tuesday morning in the area of Cordoba in Argentina when the small car slammed into the back of a truck. His wife, 36-year old Valeria Carmona, and eight-month-old son Jose, died in the accident. Two-year-old Antonio died at the hospital.
Pained
Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi said, “The Pope was informed about the tragic incident. He is deeply pained”. He added that the Pope asks, “All who share in his grief to unite with him in prayer”.
The family is believed to have been was returning to Buenos Aires following a holiday weekend when the accident occurred. The driver of the truck was not injured. However, medical examiner, Emanuel Bergogliothe son of the Pope's late brother Alberto, has undergone surgery and will be closely monitored over the next 48 hours.