Vatican City, Nov 7, 2007 / 10:59 am (CNA).- In his address to the Portuguese pilgrims in today's general audience, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his sadness over a recent traffic accident in Portugal which claimed the lives of 13 people and injured 24.

"May the strong arm of the heavenly Father," he said speaking Portuguese, "protect and console everyone. To the families affected by this tragedy and to those working to alleviate its consequences, I give assurances of my particular solidarity and prayers."

The accident, which took place in western Portugal on Monday, involved a head-on collision between a car and a bus of elderly passengers who were returning to Castelo Branco from a visit to the Shrine of Fatima.

04:50 am | Archbishops Nienstedt and Chaput defend CCHD as criticisms continue

01:46 am | Holy Father reminds the hearing impaired they are also recipients of the Gospel

09:07 pm | CNN poll finds 61% of Americans oppose government-funded abortions

08:02 pm | USCCB: Senate health care bill 'morally unacceptable'

05:54 pm | Mexican expert: Don’t believe false 'end of world' Mayan prophecies

Holy See cements relations with Bosnia & Herzegovina, Pope Benedict invited to visit

Church and State must cooperate for the good of man, says Holy Father

Benedict XVI: Ireland must not cease to be the land of saints and scholars despite its affluence

Benedict to the Poor Clares— “The Pope expects you to be burning torches of love…”