On September 3, 2025, Lisbon experienced one of the most severe transportation disasters in recent years when the tourist funicular "Ascensor da Glória" lost control and crashed into a building at high speed. The tragic accident resulted in the deaths of 17 people, with over 20 others injured. The city has declared a three-day mourning period.

Religious leaders from various faiths responded to the tragedy. Lisbon's Catholic Patriarch Rui Manuel Sousa Valério expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the families of the deceased and injured. He also thanked the doctors, rescuers, and volunteers who participated in the aftermath of the accident. On Thursday, September 4, he led a memorial mass at the Church of Saint Dominic in central Lisbon.

Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church sent condolences to the Portuguese patriarch, as reported by basilica.ro. In his message, he emphasized his prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased, healing for the injured, and comfort for their loved ones. Bishop Timotheus, who heads the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Spain and Portugal, also reached out to the President of Portugal and the Mayor of Lisbon, expressing solidarity with the people of the country and assuring them of prayers for the victims and rescuers.

Pope Leo XIV also conveyed his words of sorrow. Through the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pontiff extended condolences to the families of the victims and expressed special gratitude to those involved in the rescue operations, granting them his apostolic blessing.