Pope expresses "great sorrow" and releases 1 million euros to help earthquake victims.
Pope Francis expressed "great sorrow" for the earthquake that "devastated entire areas and left dead and wounded" in central Italy; the pontiff said he was "deeply moved" to learn that the city of Amatrice was destroyed and that there are children among the dead; the Italian Episcopal Conference determined the immediate allocation of 1 million euros (R$ 3,66 million) for relief operations in the areas affected by the earthquake.
Ansa - In his general audience this Wednesday (24), Pope Francis expressed "great sorrow" for the earthquake that "devastated entire areas and left dead and wounded" in central Italy. The pontiff said he was "deeply moved" to learn that the city of Amatrice was destroyed and that there are children among the dead.
"I express my solidarity with the people present in all the places affected by the earthquake, with all the people who lost loved ones and with those who still feel affected by fear," he added.
The Italian Episcopal Conference has allocated €1 million (R$ 3,66 million) immediately for relief operations in the areas affected by the earthquake. The money will be used to cover special needs and address initial emergencies. The organization will also hold a collection drive in all churches across the country on September 18th, coinciding with the 26th Eucharistic Congress.