The earthquake, measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale, struck close to the city of L’Aquila, in the Abruzzo area, in the Apennine mountain chain.
Currently, 91 deaths have been confirmed, and some 1,500 more people are injured by the disaster that rocked 26 towns in the area 70 miles northeast of Rome. Officials estimated that 100,000 people have been displaced.
A telegram sent on behalf of the Pope by his secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, to Archbishop Giuseppe Molinari of L’Aquila, expressed the Pontiff’s sorrow for the victims.
The telegram affirmed: «The dramatic news of the violent earthquake which struck the territory of the archdiocese has filled the Supreme Pontiff’s heart with consternation, and he charges Your Excellency to pass on the expression of his heartfelt participation in the suffering of the beloved people affected by the tragic event.
«Giving assurances of his fervent prayers for the victims, especially the children, His Holiness asks the Lord to bring comfort to their families and, while giving affectionate words of encouragement to the survivors and the people who in various ways are helping in the rescue operations, he sends everyone his special apostolic blessing.»
