Pope urges swift, generous response to South Asian earthquake

Published: 2005-10-10

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI called on the world community to be "swift and generous" in its help to South Asian countries overwhelmed by an earthquake that left tens of thousands of people dead and tens of thousands more injured. The magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit Pakistan, India and Afghanistan Oct. 8, and officials said the death toll could top 40,000. Pope Benedict said "it was with deep sadness" that he learned of the earthquake that caused "great damage and loss of life." After praying his Oct. 9 noonday Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, he commended "to God's loving mercy all those who have died" and expressed his "deepest sympathy to the many thousands who are injured or bereaved."

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