Pope Francis expresses his condolences for victims of an earthquake that struck Indonesia Sulawesi province, as well as for the victims of a plane crash in Indonesia last week.
By Vatican News staff writer
After the recitation of the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis turned his thoughts to “the peoples of the island of Siluwesi in Indonesia, who were hit by a strong earthquake”.
“I pray for the deceased, for the wounded and for all those who have lost their jobs”, said the Pope, praying that “the Lord might console them and console all those trying to bring them help”.
For the victims of the earthquake
A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the West Sulawesi Province in Indonesia on 15 January. The Indonesian Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) has reported at least 46 people killed and 826 people injured, though the numbers still remain unclear as scores of people are reported missing.
On Friday, Pope Francis sent a telegram of condolences to those affected by the earthquake. In it he expressed his “heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this natural disaster” and said he is praying “for the repose of the deceased, the healing of the injured and the consolation of all who grieve”.
For the victims of the plane crash
Pope Francis also turned his thoughts to victims of a plane crash last week in Indonesia.
The Boeing 737-500 plane with 62 people on board plunged into the Java Sea on Saturday 9 January, minutes after taking off from Jakarta’s main airport.
