Pope Benedict XVI is praying for the victims of the gas train explosion that ripped through Viareggio Monday, the Vatican said.
The pope said he was joining in the ''grief that has hit the entire city''.
At least 17 people including three children were killed when a gas train derailed and blew up, knocking down buildings and sending flames through the streets.
The toll could rise as some of the injured have suffered serious burns, officials say.
