Tragedies

The Latest

Workers continue to investigate and search for victims after the cargo ship Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge causing it to collapse yesterday, on March 27, 2024, in Baltimore.

Archdiocese of Baltimore ministers to victims’ families, stranded crew of bridge collapse

Mar 27, 2024

By Peter Pinedo

In the wake of the Francis Scott Key Bridge’s collapse on Tuesday, the Archdiocese of Baltimore has been at the... Read more

Tawadros II, Coptic Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria, presides over a funeral liturgy for victims of the Dec. 11, 2016 bomb attack on his cathedral.

Who are the Coptic Christians? Tragic church fire a blow to a persecuted group

Aug 15, 2022

By Jonah McKeown

Egypt’s Christian minority has long been regarded as a second-class group among the Muslim majority populace, and in recent years... Read more

Students from Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, at a summer camp run by Catholic Extension

Uvalde students and families seek healing at Catholic Extension summer camp

Aug 1, 2022

By Maisy Sullivan

“This week, we wanted the children and their families to know that we are praying for them, we love them,... Read more

Archbishop Nelson Perez of Philadelphia. Courtesy photo.

Archbishop offers condolences to those mourning after Philadelphia fire

Jan 5, 2022

By CNA Staff

Following a fire in a Philadelphia apartment building that killed at least 13 on Wednesday, the city's archbishop offered condolences... Read more

Oct. 19, 2012: Archbishop Thomas Wenski speaks to the media after a press conference

‘Everybody is coming together’: Miami archbishop lauds response to building collapse

Jun 29, 2021

By Matt Hadro

The Miami community has rallied to respond to the deadly collapse of a condominium building, the archbishop of Miami told... Read more

People watch the partially collapsed Champlain Towers in Surfside, Florida, north of Miami Beach.

Miami Catholics unite in prayer as search continues for survivors of building collapse

Jun 28, 2021

By Matt Hadro

As more deaths were confirmed over the weekend from a building collapse in South Florida, the local Catholic community is... Read more

Pope Francis prays before the tomb of St. Paul VI in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica, Nov. 2, 2020.

Pope Francis prays for victims of Florida building collapse

Jun 26, 2021

By Matt Hadro

Pope Francis on Saturday offered prayers and condolences to all those affected by a deadly condominium building collapse in Florida... Read more

Dashae Wade (L) and Candace Grimes attend a memorial service at Piney Grove Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, Va., June 2, 2019.

Bishops lament Virginia Beach killings

Jun 3, 2019

After 12 people were killed Friday by a gunman in Virginia, the local bishop offered his prayers for all those... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square before the Wednesday general audience, May 22, 2013.

Pope to mother of train crash victim: I weep for you

Feb 27, 2014

Pope Francis sent a letter offering his continued condolences to the mother of one of the victims of a 2012... Read more

Ana Maria Cordoba. Courtesy of the Diocese of Arlington.

Virginia diocese mourns death of employee in Spanish train wreck

Jul 26, 2013

Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Arlington has expressed his condolences over the death of employee Ana Maria Cordoba, who was... Read more

Pope Francis delivers his homily at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Wall on April 15, 2013.

Pope urges Bostonians to combat evil with good

Apr 16, 2013

Pope Francis is praying for those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing and encouraging them not to be overcome by... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI prays in St. Peter's Basilica on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (File Photo/CNA).

Pope stunned by Brazilian night club tragedy

Jan 28, 2013

Pope Benedict XVI is shocked at the deaths of 233 people at a Brazilian night club on Sunday and is... Read more