Pope offers prayers to families suffering from Indonesian tsunami

Published: 2006-07-19

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI offered his prayers and condolences to families suffering from the effects of a July 17 tsunami that struck the southern coast of Indonesia's Java Island. "His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI assures all those affected of his closeness in prayer," said a telegram sent by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, to civil and church leaders in Java. The pope prayed for the deceased and "upon their grieving families he invokes divine blessings of strength and consolation," Cardinal Sodano wrote in the telegram released July 19 by the Vatican. A 7.7-magnitude earthquake triggered the tsunami, killing at least 531 people and leaving more than 270 missing, said an official from the government's national disaster coordinating board. The Indonesian Health Ministry said July 18 that 54,000 people had been displaced. Pope Benedict also offered prayers for the rescue workers and those assisting survivors, "encouraging them to persevere in their efforts to bring relief and support."

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