Turkey: Church rushes aid to earthquake survivors

Archbishop Franceschini

Church organisations have been rushing to assist survivors of the devastating earthquake which struck Van in Turkey this week. Archbishop Ruggero Franceschini, Archbishop of Smyrna and head of the Turkish Bishops' Conference, said: "It is a terrible human tragedy. The population of Van is devastated, especially because there are hundreds of children and mothers in need and at risk of survival. Caritas Turkey has moved swiftly to send humanitarian aid and medical supplies."

He said: "From Caritas in Istanbul, several trucks with aid, especially jackets, tents and blankets... "The local Caritas is moving thanks to an Italian family who lives in Van, the Ugolinis, who are offering a valuable testimony of friendship and solidarity".

The area of Anatolia towards the border with Iran, where Van is situated, is largely Kurdish. There are also some mainly Armenian Christian communities."

Mgr Franceschini said funds from the Turkish collection for World Mission Sunday, which is celebrated next Sunday will go to helping the mostly Muslim community afftected by the quake.

During the general audience on Wednesday, Pope Benedict launched a special appeal for people affected by the earthquake in Turkey. He said: "At this time, our thoughts go out to the people of Turkey, who have been severely affected by the earthquake, which caused grave loss of human life, leaving many missing and causing great damage. I invite you to join me in prayer for the people who have lost their lives, and to remain spiritually close to those who have been so sorely tried. May the Almighty support everyone involved in rescue efforts".

Source: Fides