Pope Francis expresses his sadness after the earthquake in Morocco

The terrible earthquake which struck Morocco during the night from Friday to Saturday, causing the death of more than 2,000 people and injuring thousands of others, leaves no one indifferent. Messages of sympathy poured in from all over the world and in particular from Pope Francis who spoke a few hours after the tragedy.

In a telegram signed, Saturday, September 9, by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, the head of the Catholic Church declared his “deep solidarity with those who are touched in their flesh and their hearts by this tragedy” .

“Divine Blessings”

“Having learned with pain of the earthquake which violently struck Morocco, his holiness Pope Francis wishes to express his prayerful communion in the face of this natural disaster,” underlines the telegram. He shows empathy, saying he is “saddened by this event”.

The message then details the prayer intentions. Pope Francis “prays for the rest of the deceased, the healing of the wounded and the consolation of those who mourn the loss of loved ones and homes.” He also implores “the Most High to support Moroccans in this ordeal and offers his encouragement to the civil authorities and the emergency services.”

“He willingly invokes divine blessings on all as a token of comfort,” we can still read in the press release.

“We are close to the Moroccan people”

During the weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday September 10, Pope Francis publicly expressed his condolences. On Saint-Pierre Square, he wished to present his “sympathy to the dear people of Morocco, struck by a devastating earthquake”. “I pray for the injured, for those who lost their lives and for their families,” he adds.

He also wants to “thank the rescuers and all those who strive to alleviate the suffering of the population”. “May everyone’s concrete help support the population at this tragic moment.”