Pope prays for Iranian quake victims, asks Catholic agencies to help

Published: 2003-12-29

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II prayed for victims of a deadly earthquake in southeastern Iran and urged Catholic agencies to join in the humanitarian relief effort. Authorities said that at least 20,000 people were confirmed dead and thousands more injured in the quake, which struck an area around the ancient city of Bam on Dec. 26, burying many people in their mud-brick homes. The pope sent his own contribution to the relief operations through the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum," the Vatican's umbrella charity organization. The Vatican did not specify the amount of the papal donation. Speaking at a noon blessing on Dec. 28, the pope asked for prayers for all the inhabitants of the area. "We entrust to the merciful God the thousands of people who have lost their lives, as well as the wounded and the homeless survivors in need of help," he said.

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