Pope appeals for prayers for people affected by natural disasters

Published: 2005-09-26

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI appealed for prayers for all those hit by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. He said his thoughts were with those who were "affected by the natural disasters in the United States and other parts of the world" when he addressed English-speaking visitors present at his Sept. 25 Angelus blessing at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. "I invite you to join me in prayer to the Lord for all those who suffer, for the victims and their loved ones, and for the rescue workers," he said. He asked that "God grant them consolation and strength in their trials." Initial reports had only two dead from Hurricane Rita, and Texas and Louisiana officials credited the evacuation of 3 million people with helping prevent widespread fatalities. Two dozen evacuees were killed in a bus fire near Dallas before the storm hit. Rita made landfall on the Gulf Coast along the Louisiana-Texas line Sept. 24, reducing fishing communities and coastal resorts to rubble.

Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .