Pope to people of L’Aquila: Be courageous
witnesses
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| L'Aquita, ten years after the earthquake |
In a letter addressed to the people of L’Aquila, Pope
Francis offers prayers and encouragement on the tenth anniversary of the
earthquake that killed more than 300 people.
By Vatican News
Ten years after the deadly quake that struck the Italian
city of L’Aquila, Pope Francis has written to residents of the community to
assure them of his accompaniment, as they “undertake the arduous journey of
rebuilding” their communities.
Calling to mind the 309 people who were killed, and the more
than 1600 people wounded in the quakes, the Holy Father says, “I pray for all
the victims of that tragedy”.
Pope Francis was responding to a letter sent by the
Archbishop of L’Aquila, Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi, on behalf of the people of
the city. On the eve of the anniversary, Cardinal Petrocchi celebrated a Mass
for the victims of the disaster, before leading a vigil of prayer with all the
citizens.
May the Risen Lord give light and strength
In his own letter, Pope Francis expresses the hope that “the
Risen Lord” might give to all the people of L’Aquila “the light and the
strength to make your church and social community more united and creative”. He
continues, “May he make you courageous witnesses as you industriously apply the
law, work actively together, and assist one another in friendship”.
The letter closes with a prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary
that she might accompany and bless everyone with affection.
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