Archbishop expresses sadness at devastating NZ earthquake

Archbishop Vincent Nichols

Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster, President of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, has offered his prayers for the victims and those suffering in the aftermath of last week's devastating earthquake in New Zealand.

In a letter to Archbishop John Drew, President of the country's Catholic Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Nichols said:

"I want to assure you we are united with you in our prayers for all those who have suffered. Please pass on my personal thoughts to Bishop Barry Jones [Bishop of Christchurch] as he carries out his pastoral ministry to the victims and their families."

The 6.3-magnitude quake hit Christchurch on 22 February 2011. Over 150 people are believed to have been killed with hundreds still missing.

Source: CCN