Pope Francis yesterday renewed his appeal for concrete acts of solidarity and prayers for people affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. Source: Vatican News.
His call for action came as the death toll from the earthquakes in Türkiye and northwestern Syria surpassed 33,000 amidst continuing rescue efforts.
International search and rescue teams have joined forces in the affected areas and stories of extraordinary rescues, almost a week after the quake, continue to emerge. But humanitarian agencies are warning of a “second disaster” as scores of people left homeless in the freezing cold struggle to survive.
Speaking during the Angelus address in St Peter’s Square yesterday , Pope Francis said he has been seeing images of the catastrophe and the pain of the people and he asked all men and women of goodwill to pray for them.
“Let us not forget, let us pray and think what we can do for them.”
He also renewed his call to not forget war-ravaged Ukraine.
“May the Lord open paths of peace and give those responsible the courage to walk them.”
Meanwhile, Aid to the Church in Need has opened an emergency fund for people in northern Syria following the earthquakes.
ACN is appealing for funds to support local Church partners helping those plunged into dire need by the natural disasters.
The charity is in dialogue with project partners and expects to be able to shortly confirm a fresh aid package, which will focus on two key areas – supporting minor or major repairs in Aleppo which will allow those being sheltered by the Church to return soon to their homes, and providing blankets, food and other essential aid for displaced people in Aleppo and Lattakia.
Details: https://aidtochurch.org/syriaearthquake.
FULL STORY
Pope asks for prayers and solidarity for quake victims in Turkey and Syria (Vatican News)
Death toll climbs to 33,000 people in Turkey-Syria earthquake (CNN)
