Pope Renews Appeal for Help for Pakistan’s Flood Victims

(18 Aug 10 – RV) The unfolding tragedy of Pakistan’s flood victims was the focus of a renewed appeal by Pope Benedict XVI to the International community this Wednesday. Speaking from his hill top summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, the Pope said: “My thoughts go at this time to the dear people of Pakistan, recently hit by severe flooding, which has caused many victims and left many families homeless”.

He went on to say: “As I entrust to the merciful goodness of God all those who are tragically gone, I express my spiritual closeness to their families and all who suffer because of this disaster. Our solidarity and the concrete solidarity of the international community must not be lacking to these our sorely tried brothers and sisters!”.

Tasnim Aslam is Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy, she says “the proportions of this disaster are overwhelming, no government could possibly cope with this on their own”. Ambassador Aslam says the government are particularly concerned about the plight of millions of young children often the first victims of disease.

The Holy Father’s appeal came at the end of his catechesis, this week dedicated to the figure of Pope Saint Pius X. Over two thousand pilgrims packed into the Papal Palace’s inner courtyard for this Wednesday’s audience, 50 km Nouth of the Alban hills in a hot St Peter’s Square thousands more followed the Pope’s words on giant screens.

“My dear brothers and sisters, today we recall Pope Saint Pius the Tenth, whose feast we celebrate this coming Saturday. He left an indelible mark in very many aspects of the Church’s life and activity, his overarching goal being to “renew all things in Christ” through our intimate personal union with our Saviour. By Pope Saint Pius’s prayers, may we grow daily in love for Christ and help open others to his love. God’s abundant blessings upon you all”!

Pope Benedict XVI’s next public appointment is this Sunday for the recitation of the traditional midday Angelus. Hear more: