Pope to visit earthquake victims of Emilia Romagna

( June 20, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI will make a morning trip to northern Italy’s Emilia Romagna region next Tuesday to meet with the victims of the earthquake that killed 24 people, said the Holy See’s Press office. The devastating earthquake of 6.0 magnitude struck the region on May 20, followed by another nine days later, leaving thousands homeless . The Holy Father is scheduled to arrive by helicopter at the sports ground of San Marino di Carpi at around 10 a.m. where he will be welcomed by the head of the Italian Civil Protection Department. He will then travel to Rovereto di Novi, crossing the "red zone" and visiting the church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, which was seriously damaged by the quake. Following a greeting from the president of the region of Emilia Romagna, the Pope will make an address to the local people. He is scheduled to return to the Vatican at around 1:15 p.m. Ever since the earthquake struck this region, the Pontiff has been making constant appeals to express solidarity with the suffering people. Pope Benedict has already pledged Euro 500,000 to families in severe need in the quake zone.