Pope calls for solidarity with Moroccan quake victims

Published: 2004-02-25

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II called for a show of solidarity for victims of an earthquake in northeast Morocco. In a telegram released by the Vatican Feb. 25, the pope expressed his condolences to all the people affected by the quake, which struck early Feb. 24 in remote mountain areas and the Mediterranean port city of Al Hoceima. In his telegram to Archbishop Domenico De Luca, apostolic nuncio to Morocco, the pope asked that God comfort those injured by the quake and offer "courage to them and their families and the people offering assistance." He asked that "gestures of solidarity reach out to help relieve the suffering of these brothers and sisters." Moroccan officials estimated more than 560 people have been killed and hundreds more injured by the quake, magnitude 6.5. Officials said the number of dead could increase as they searched remote villages.

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