Pope Francis family members killed in car crash, pope predicts own death

Three relatives of Pope Francis were killed on Tuesday in a car crash on a highway in Argentina. Another relative who was also involved in the accident is said to be in a critical condition.

They include the pope’s nephew, Horacio Bergoglio, with his 36-year-old wife, Valeria Carmona, and their children, an 8-month-old baby and a 2-year-old. The son of the pope’s late brother, Alberto, was hospitalized in critical condition.

Highway Police Superintendent, Jorge Raineri, said they were travelling in the central province of Cordoba when their car crashed into a truck.

Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said that “the pope was deeply in pain after receiving information about the accident and has asked all who share in his grief to unite with him in prayer”.

The tragic news comes just a day after Pope Francis publicly predicted his own death to reporters Monday while on a flight back to the Vatican and said he would step down from the papacy when he felt his time was near.

AFP reports that 77-year-old pontiff made the eerie epiphany when he was asked about his recent five-day visit in South Korea and what it felt like to be adored by so many people around the world.

He had told reporters: “I see it as the generosity of the people of God. I try to think of my sins, my mistakes, not to become proud. Because I know it will last only a short time. Two or three years and then I’ll be off to the Father’s House”.

According to AFP, the always humble pope added that if he felt his time approaching, he would make sure to step down so someone could adequately perform his duties.

“Benedict XVI opened a door,” Francis said, referring to the former pope’s shocking retirement last year.