Japan begins earthquake relief operations

Japan continues to grapple with the devastation wrought by a massive earthquake and following tsunami that struck the nation on Friday. Officials are still struggling to even survey the damage done and a massive relief operation is underway.

Speaking to Vatican Radio, Catholic Bishop of Niigata and president of Caritas Asia, Reverend Isao Kikuchi, says that the Japanese people need solidarity.

“I think that the best thing for people outside Japan to do for the Japanese people is to send sympathy or message that there are people all over the world, remembering them, praying for them and also supporting them.”

“I think that the Japanese government is prepared for these disasters,” he said, “but at this moment, I think that the people should know that… the world is watching us and praying for us and supporting us.”

Listen to John Kelly's interview with Bishop Kikuchi here: