Pope Francis Family Killed In Argentina Car Crash

Three members of Pope Francis’ extended family were killed in a car crash early Tuesday in Cordoba, Argentina. A car driven by Francis’ nephew, Emanuel Bergoglio, struck the back of a truck on the highway, killing his wife and their two young children. Bergoglio is in an induced coma and in serious condition.

Bergoglio, 35, struck the truck at around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday. His two sons Jose and Antonio Bergoglio were 8 months and 2 years old, respectively. His wife, Valeria Carmona, was 36. They were driving in a Chevy Spin, a “mini MPV,” when it struck the back of a truck reportedly carrying grain. Bergoglio is the son of Pope Francis’ brother Alberto, who died in 2010.

A papal spokesman told BBC that Francis was “profoundly saddened” and asked “all who share in his grief to unite with him in prayer.”

Francis, 77, was born and raised in Argentina. He has one surviving member of his immediate family, his sister Mari Elena Bergoglio.