According to IRNA, Vatican Radio, Pope Francis appealed for solidarity with those affected by the earthquake that struck Iran and Pakistan on Tuesday afternoon.
In his appeal, which came during the course of the weekly General Audience on Wednesday in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Pope Francis said, “I learned with sadness of the violent earthquake that has struck the peoples of Iran and Pakistan, bringing death, suffering and destruction.”
Pope Francis went on to offer prayers to God for the victims and for all those who are in pain and said, “I express my closeness to the Iranian and the Pakistani people.”
Seismologists say the quake was the strongest to strike Iran in more than 50 years, though details about the extent of damage have been slow to emerge.
According to IRNA, the cities of Khash and Saravan, both less than 150 km from the epicenter, suffered no serious damage. Across the border in Pakistan, authorities report that as many as 34 people were killed and roughly 80 others injured in the Mashkel district of Baluchistan province.
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Pope sends condolence message to Iran, Pakistan, quake victims
Apr 17, 2013, 11:01 PM
News ID:
80618984
Rome, Apr 28, IRNA – Leader of world Catholics, Pope Francis, in a message condoled with Iranian nation on occurrence of strong earthquake in Iran's southern Sistan-o Balouchestan province, as well as southern parts of Pakistan.
