Responding to the 7.1 earthquake that struck Mexico earlier this week, Pope Francis has directed funds to help in the relief effort. Vatican Radio reports that, “an initial contribution of $150,000 dollars would be sent through the Dicastery for Integral Human Development. The money will be divided between emergency relief efforts in the dioceses worst hit by the earthquake.”
The donation represents the Pope’s closeness to the people of Mexico and is only a small part of what is being collected around the world for those suffering in the country.
On Wednesday Pope Francis prayed for the Mexican people in his General Audience:
“At this time of sorrow, I want to express my closeness to, and prayer for, the beloved people of Mexico. Let us all together lift up our prayers to God, that he may gather to his breast those who lost their lives, and comfort the wounded, their families, and all those who have suffered loss.
“Let us also pray for all the emergency responders and rescuers who are helping the victims.”
“May our Mother, the Virgen of Guadalupe, be close to the beloved Mexican nation with great tenderness.”
According to USA Today, the death toll has risen “to at least 273, as the search for survivors continued Friday. Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto said 137 of the deaths occurred in Mexico City. He said he believed people may still be trapped alive in a number of buildings following Tuesday’s magnitude-7.1 quake.”
Read more:
Pope Francis entrusts Mexico to Our Lady of Guadalupe after the earthquake
And today we celebrate...