Pope prays for victims of Italian earthquake

Pope Francis postponed his prepared address at the General Audience today and prayed for victims of the earthquake which struck central Italy at 3.36 in the morning local time leaving at least 37 people dead and 150 missing, as rescuers search for survivors. Many of the dead were in the village of Pescara del Tronto which was levelled to the ground and there were fears the number of casualties could rise. Much of the town of Amatrice has been reduced to rubble and a family of four are feared dead nearby in Accumoli.

Although it struck at a shallow depth of 10km, its intensity was compared to the Aquila earthquake in April 2009 in which 309 people died. The epicentre was around Accumoli where several people died.

During the Audience with pilgrims in St Peter's Square, Pope Francis led the faithful in the recitation of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary.

The Holy Father expressed his "heartfelt sorrow and spiritual closeness" to all those affected by the earthquake and its aftershocks. He said he was deeply saddened upon learning several children were among the dead, and of hearing of the total destruction of the town of Amatrice.

"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, Pope Francis said.

He asked everyone to join him in prayer to Jesus, that the Lord might "console the broken-hearted, and, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, bring them peace."

"With Jesus, let our hearts be moved with compassion," he concluded.

Below, please find the full text of the Pope's remarks at the General Audience on Wednesday:

"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 injured, 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."

Source: ICN/VIS