Pope Leo XIV consoles Zimbabwe after Lake Kariba ferry disaster

A papal message of condolence arrived on 18 August after a ferry capsized on Lake Kariba on 11 August. Initial reports put the death toll at 93; officials said the toll rose to 94 after the recovery of another body on 18 August, and children were among those who died. Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sadness and offered prayers and consolation to those affected.

What the Pope said

The Pope’s response was conveyed in a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and sent on 18 August. In the message, Pope Leo XIV said he was “deeply saddened” and sent his “heartfelt condolences” to bereaved families. The telegram entrusted the souls of those who died “to the loving mercy of Almighty God” and invoked blessings of “consolation, healing and strength” on those affected. The Pope also remembered emergency personnel and civil authorities involved in the search and rescue operation.

The accident and immediate aftermath

The vessel capsized on 11 August while travelling from Kariba Town towards the Chalala fishing camp, according to the report. Press reports said there were strong winds at the time, though authorities have not confirmed the exact cause of the capsize. The ferry was reportedly carrying a large number of passengers.

Investigations and local response

Investigations are under way to establish the exact cause of the capsize. Press reports said the vessel had been in service for around 41 years, and authorities will examine passenger capacity and lake conditions as part of the inquiry, the report noted.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a national state of emergency following the disaster. The government has pledged medical and psychological support for families affected by the tragedy. A memorial service for victims was held at Kariba Stadium on 13 August, where relatives and community members paid tribute.

Lake Kariba’s role

Lake Kariba is one of the world’s largest artificial reservoirs. The report notes the lake was created after construction of the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River between the late 1950s and early 1960s and stretches for more than 200 kilometres. It remains an important transport route for rural and fishing communities along the lake.

The Pope’s telegram closed with a call for solidarity and prayer for those grieving, while local and national authorities continue recovery work and investigative steps to determine how the disaster occurred.