Pope expresses grief over New Zealand’s disaster

(February 23, 2011)Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday expressed grief and solidarity, when he heard of the sudden devastation and loss of life in the city of Christchurch in New Zealand caused by Tuesday’s earthquake. A condolence message addressed to Anglican Bishop Barry Jones of Christchurch, was sent in the Pontiff’s name by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarciscio Bertone. The condolence message said the “Holy Father wants to express his spiritual closeness to everyone, who has been affected, and sends his condolences to the families of all, who mourn the loss of loved ones.” He commends the victims to the merciful love of God, and assures the people of the city and the nation of his prayers, for all those who are working diligently to rescue and assist the trapped and the injured, as well as those labouring to restore essential services.” The Pope also personally referred to the tragedy of Christchurch after his Wednesday general audience in Rome, inviting all to pray for the victims .
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch on Tuesday, claimed at least dozens and possibly hundreds of victims. New Zealand rescuers pulled some 120 survivors out of the rubble on Wednesday. They had to even perform amputations to free some of them. Tuesday’s strong tremor hit the country’s second largest city at lunchtime and the death toll is expected to climb higher. New Zealand “Herald” reported that the strong tremor has also massively damaged the city’s Anglican and Catholic cathedrals.