As Pope Benedict XVI prays, all 33 Chilean miners rescued

Pope Benedict XVI promised continued prayers for the thirty-three Chilean miners, all of whom have been successfully rescued, after surviving more time trapped underground than anyone on record, and the world was captivated by their endurance and unity as officials carefully planned.

The Holy Father's remarks came while addressing Spanish-speaking pilgrims during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square. The Pope said he “continues with hope to entrust to the goodness of God the miners in the region of Atacama.” The Ambassador from Chile to the Holy See, Fernando Zegers Santa Cruz, says the faith of the miners was important during the ordeal.

“The miners commended the operation to their patron St. Lawrence,” he told Vatican Radio. “The miners ‘downstairs’ and the families ‘upstairs’, they have all put their fortunes in the hands of God,” he said. “It has been a testimony of faith.” Listen: