Pope Leo has expressed profound grief following a tragic ferry accident on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, which has claimed the lives of more than 80 people, including 18 children. In a official telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin on 18 August, the Holy Father offered his “heartfelt condolences” to grieving families, committing the deceased to God’s mercy while invoking blessings of strength and solace for emergency teams and all those affected by the loss.
The disaster unfolded when an overloaded 41-year-old vessel capsized during a transit between Kariba Town and the Chalala fishing camp in harsh wind conditions. Operating on a major reservoir where poor road infrastructure leaves local communities heavily dependent on water transport, the vessel was serving rural areas in the country’s northwest. Following the recovery of additional bodies by search teams, local authorities confirmed the expanding death toll.
In response to the tragedy, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a national state of emergency, committing state resources toward medical and psychological support for impacted relatives. The declaration follows a public memorial gathering held at Kariba Stadium on 13 August, as official investigations continue to review safety conditions, vessel maintenance history, and transport regulations across the Zambezi River reservoir.