Pope Francis called on the faithful to respond to Jesus’ love by allowing ourselves to be moved by those who suffer. He specifically mentioned those suffering from war, and natural disasters, including the cyclone in New Zealand.
Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand took the lives of at least 11 people, but many more have yet to be contacted.
The cyclone hit February 12, and went down the east cost of the island.
The Pope offered his closeness and prayer, after praying the midday Angelus this February 19:
Jesus’ love asks us to let ourselves be touched by the situations of those who are in difficulty.
I think especially of Syria and Turkey, of the very many victims of the earthquake, but also of the daily tragedies of the dear Ukrainian people and the many populations who suffer as a result of war or because of poverty, the lack of freedom or environmental devastation: many peoples…
In this regard, I am close to the people of New Zealand, struck in recent days by a devastating cyclone. Brothers and sisters, let us not forget those who suffer, and let our charity be attentive, let it be real charity!
And today we celebrate...