Pope, Vatican audience observe silent prayer for tsunami victims

Published: 2005-01-05

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As the countries of the European Union marked an official day of mourning for the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunamis, Pope John Paul II once again asked people to join him in prayer for the dead and those left "in great difficulty." Ending the pope's Jan. 5 audience precisely at noon, papal aides announced that the pope and the Vatican were joining people throughout Europe in observing three minutes of silence and prayer for the tsunami victims. The pope remained on the stage of the audience hall, the lights were dimmed, and the pilgrims, Vatican officials and security guards stood with their heads bowed. After the three minutes of silence, an official led the recitation of the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary and a prayer for the dead. During his audience talk, the pope prayed that Mary would watch over the world and protect it during the New Year, "marked as it is by a deep concern for the sufferings which the people of Southeast Asia are presently undergoing."

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