Pope cancels audience: Sorrow for earthquake victims in Italy
Francis speaks to the pilgrims gathered in the square: "I express my great sorrow and closeness to all the people present in the places struck by the quake, to all the people who have lost loved ones and to those who still feel shock, fear and terror”. The Pope invites those present to recite the Sorrowful Mysteries. The tremors that devastated the Rieti area, were felt worst in Amatrice, Accumoli and Pescara del Tronto. 21 are confirmed dead, but many are still missing.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Due to the earthquake that hit central Italy today, Pope Francis has postponed today's general audience catechesis until next week. "I want to express my heartfelt sorrow – he explained to those present – for the earthquake that hit central Italy, and devastated entire areas leaving dead and wounded". The pontiff then expressed "closeness" to all the people present in the places struck by the quakes and invited those present to join pray him in recity the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.
A strong earthquake registering 6.4 degrees on the Richter scale today hit the Rieti area, causing the total devastation of Amatrice and Accumoli. There was also considerable damage in Pescara del Tronto and other areas. Rescuers are working to free the injured from the rubble. So far, the body count marks 21 confirmed dead, but hundreds are still missing.
Here are the words pronounced by the Pope to those present:
"I had prepared the catechesis for today, as for all Wednesdays during this year of mercy, focusing on the closeness of Jesus. However on hearing of the news of the earthquake that has struck central Italy, and which has devastated entire areas and left many wounded, I cannot fail to express my heartfelt sorrow and spiritual closeness to all those present in the zones afflicted.
I also express my condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and my spiritual support to those who are anxious and afraid. Hearing the mayor of Amatrice say that the town no longer exists, and learning that there are children among the dead, I am deeply saddened.
For this reason, I want to assure all the people of Accumuli, Amatrice, the Diocese of Rieti, Ascoli Piceno, and all the people of Lazio, Umbria, and Le Marche, of the prayers and close solidarity of the entire Church, who in these moments extends her merciful love, as well as the concern of all of us here in the Piazza.
And thanking all the volunteer and rescue personnel who are assisting these people, I ask you to join me in praying to the Lord Jesus, Who is always moved by compassion before the reality of human suffering, that He may console the broken hearted, and through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, bring them peace.
With Jesus let our hearts be moved with compassion.
So we will postpone, then, this week’s catechesis until next Wednesday, and I invite you to pray with me a part of the holy Rosary, the sorrowful mysteries".
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