Pope in Solidarity with Italy's Earthquake Victims

(6 April 09-RV) Pope Benedict XVI has sent a telegram to Archbishop Molinari of Aquila Italy expressing his sorrow and solidarity with the people of Abruzzo following this morning’s violent earthquake.
The earthquake's epicenter was about 70 miles northeast of Rome near the medieval city of Aquila. It struck at 3:32 a.m. local time. Latest reports from the Civil Protection Authorities put the death toll over 100. However the number of victims is destined to rise as rescue workers race to find people trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings. Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi has declared a state of emergency.
In the telegram the Pope expresses " his heartfelt participation in the suffering of the beloved people affected by the tragic event”. He also gives “assurances of his fervent prayers for the victims, especially the children, asking 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".