The Pope made his appeal at the end of a liturgy today, the vigil of the event in Assisi, which will gather representatives of world religions and non-believers in a pilgrimage for peace.
The liturgy replaced the customary general audience the Holy Father has on Wednesdays.
«In this moment, my thoughts go to the peoples of Turkey who have been harshly hit by the earthquake that has caused grave losses of human life, numerous missing persons and extensive damage,» he said. «I invite you to unite yourselves with me in prayer for those who have lost their lives, and to be spiritually close to the many persons so harshly tried. May the Almighty give support to all those who are committed to the work of providing aid.»