Pope Francis praying for
victims of Guatemala volcano
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| Guatemalans begin to bury victims of Fuego volcano eruption.- ANSA |
In a telegramme addressed to the Apostolic Nuncio in
Guatemala Pope Francis has assured his prayers for those killed, injured and
displaced following the eruption of a volcano.
By Linda Bordoni
Pope Francis said he is praying for the dead and
for all those affected by a powerful volcanic eruption in Guatemala in
which at least 69 people have died.
A telegramme addressed to Archbishop Nicolas Thevenin, the
Apostolic Nuncio in Guatemala by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro
Parolin on behalf of the Pope, said Francis was “deeply saddened to learn of
the news of the violent eruption of the Volcano of Fire, which has claimed
numerous victims, caused enormous material damage and affected a significant
number of people who live in the area”.
In it the Pope said he is praying for the eternal repose of
the deceased and conveys his condolences to family members mourning the loss of
their loved ones.
He also assured his closeness to the wounded and to those
who are “working tirelessly to help the victims while asking the Lord to
“bestow upon them all the gifts of solidarity, spiritual serenity and Christian
hope”.
Meanwhile Guatemalan authorities confirmed the death toll
from Sunday’s eruption of the Volcano of Fire at 69, but said only 17 of the
dead have been identified so far.
Over 3,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in
the region south-west of the capital, Guatemala City where the local Caritas
organization has set up three camps for the displaced, and organized a
collection for the 10 June, during which medicine, clothes and food will be
accepted and distributed.
Caritas Guatemala on the ground
According to the Executive Secretary of Caritas Guatemala
aid workers have been unable as yet to reach some of the most populous areas of
the affected region and he fears the scenario could be even more catastrophic.
“One million seven hundred thousand people are affected, and that number could rise – he said – there is serious damage to infrastructure, especially roads and bridges, so communications are very difficult.”
“One million seven hundred thousand people are affected, and that number could rise – he said – there is serious damage to infrastructure, especially roads and bridges, so communications are very difficult.”
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