VALENCIA, Spain — Still grappling with the deaths of 42 people in Spain's worst subway accident, Valencia slowly turned its attention back to this weekend's visit by Pope Benedict XVI, a trip many hope will help the city overcome the tragedy.

"The city is still feeling hurt and sad," said bank worker Rafael Molina, 45.

"There had been so much excitement over the pope's visit and this really threw cold water on it. It's not a good moment. Hopefully his support will help us get through it all."

Benedict visits the city Saturday and Sunday to wrap up the Roman Catholic Church's nine-day World Meeting of the Families. The trip, expected to draw up to 1.5 million people, comes as mourning continues from Monday's subway derailment.

Preparations for his visit were interrupted because of security measures for the rescue work following the derailment and out of respect during funeral services.

Benedict has altered the route he was to take on arriving Saturday and is now to honor the victims by stopping his motorcade to pray at the Jesus subway station, where the train derailed.

For weeks, Valencia has been decorated with "We're Waiting For You" posters advertising Benedict's visit. Banners and flags with the yellow and white colors of the Vatican billow from apartment and office balconies across the city.

After the accident, however, black mourning ribbons were attached to many of the flags.

Organizers canceled three major pop concerts and dozens of street theater, musical acts and parties that had been planned as part of the nine-day family meeting.

"The preparations are going ahead, but there's no getting away from the sadness of it all," said Rocio Casanova, spokeswoman for the organizers.