Pope entrusts victims of Se-Wol ferry disaster to Our Lady

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis prayed for those who lost their lives in the sinking of the Se-Wol ferry, for their families and for all those whom - he said - continue to be affected by this great national disaster.

The Pope was speaking in English during his Angelus address after Holy Mass on the Feast of the Assumption.

Over 300 people were killed in the disaster that happened on 16 April 2014 some 20 km off the Coast of the Republic of Korea.

Please find below the text of his address:   
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

    At the end of our Mass, we turn once more to Our Lady, Queen of Heaven.  To her we bring all our joys, our sorrows and our hopes.

    We especially entrust to her all who lost their lives in the sinking of the Se-Wol ferry, as well as those who continue to be affected by this great national disaster.  May the Lord welcome the dead into his peace, console those who mourn, and continue to sustain those who so generously came to the aid of their brothers and sisters.  May this tragic event which has brought all Koreans together in grief confirm their commitment to work together in solidarity for the common good.

    We also ask Our Lady to look with mercy on all those among us who are suffering, particularly the sick, the poor and those who lack dignified employment.

    Finally, on this day when Korea celebrates its liberation, we ask Our Lady to watch over this noble nation and its citizens.  And we commend to her care all the young people who have joined us from throughout Asia.  May they be joyful heralds of the dawn of a world of peace in accordance with God’s gracious plan!