VATICAN CITY, MAY 13, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is praying for the victims of the earthquake Wednesday that killed nine people in Spain and left thousands homeless.
The Pope’s secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, sent a telegram to Bishop José Manuel Lorca Planes of Cartagena, assuring the Holy Father’s “particular closeness to those affected.”
Two quakes struck Lorca in the southeastern region of Murcia, the first of magnitude 4.4 and the second of magnitude 5.1. Caritas Spain responded immediately. Bishop Lorca Planes also went to Lorca after the first quake, and witnessed firsthand the second, which was the deadly one.
Shortly after, the bishop reported that he received a call from the Holy See expressing the Pope’s concern over what was happening.
The papal telegram assured the Pontiff’s “prayers for the eternal rest of the deceased” and said he is “asking the Almighty to grant consolation and Christian hope to all those suffering through this adversity.”
“At the same time,” the note continued, “he encourages institutions and persons of good will to show solidarity and fraternal charity to persons and families in difficulty.”
