Monday, March 1, 2010

Pope Prays for Victims of Earthquake in Chile, Pledges Aid from Catholic Relief Organizations

Pope Benedict XVI prayed for the victims of the massive earthquake in Chile, and pledged the assistance of Catholic relief organizations, according to the Catholic News website.

The Pope made the remarks at his noon blessing February 28 -- the day after a magnitude 8.8 quake struck the South American country, triggering giant waves and leaving at least 700 dead.

"My thoughts are with Chile and with the populations stricken by the earthquake, which caused great loss of life and terrible damage," the pope said from his apartment window above St. Peter's Square.

"I am praying for the victims and am spiritually close to those affected by this serious catastrophe. For them, I ask God to grant relief of suffering and courage in this adversity. I am sure solidarity will be shown by many, in particular by church organizations," the pope concluded.

More than 90 percent of the population in Chile -- as in most Latin American countries -- is comprised of Roman Catholics.

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