Pope Francis offered his prayers for those who died in Mexico following a tornado that struck Acuña City on Monday.
In a message to Bishop Alonso Garza Treviño of Piedras Negras, the Holy Father encouraged «civil and ecclesial institutions, as well as people of good will to provide help to those who have lost their homes or their property.» The Pope also sent his apostolic blessing to the victims as well as to those assisting in disaster relief.
The tornado that struck Acuña City on Monday resulted in the death of 14 people and many others are still missing. More than 200 people were wounded and hundreds left homeless or without electricity.
This is the first known tornado to have touched down in that area, located in the Mexican state of Coahuila. It was also one of the strongest, lasting for six seconds and launching vehicles for miles.
Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto visited the area affected by the tornado and addressed the tragedy via his Twitter account. «I spoke with neighbors and pledged to regain normalcy in their neighborhood […].»
He also conveyed his solidarity with those affected, stating: «You are not alone. I will return to # Acuña to return their homes and promised Works this day.»
