Pope appeals for mercy, generosity for suffering cyclone victims

Published: 2008-05-07

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI appealed to the world community to be merciful and generous by offering aid and working to relieve the suffering caused by Cyclone Nargis, which killed tens of thousands in Myanmar. During his May 7 general audience in St. Peter's Square, the pope called on people to open their hearts "to compassion and generosity so that with the collaboration of all who are able and want to lend help, the suffering caused by this huge tragedy can be alleviated." When the pope spoke, more than 22,000 people had been killed, 41,000 were missing and 1 million were homeless after the cyclone's heavy rains and winds of up to 120 mph swept over southern Myanmar May 3. The cyclone damaged at least three major cities, including Yangon, the capital of Myanmar and its largest city. Earlier, in a telegram sent on behalf of the pope by the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the pope had expressed deep sadness and "heartfelt sympathy" after hearing news of "the tragic aftermath" of the disaster.

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