Scottish Catholic Observer

Speaking at his general audience at the Vatican this morning, the Holy Father expressed his closeness ‘to all those who are suffering from these natural disasters’ and added that ‘he was praying for the victims and their families.’

“At this time, various parts of the world, from Latin America—and especially Central America—to Southeast Asia, have been hit by floods and landslides which have caused many deaths and left many missing and homeless,” the Pope said. “Once again I wish to express my closeness to all those who suffer these natural disasters, at the same time calling on people to pray for the victims and their families, and to show solidarity, that institutions and men and women of good will may collaborate generously to help the thousands of people affected by such calamities.”

Of the countries in Central America that have been badly affected by floods, El Salvador has been particularly hard hit, while in South East Asia more than 500 people have died in Thailand since July, many drowning in flood waters.

In addition to offering his prayers, the Holy Father also urged institutions and people of good will to work together with a generous spirit, to assist the thousands of people who have been affected as a result of the disasters.

Pic: An aerial photo shows floodwaters surrounding homes in Marcovia, Honduras. Dozens of people have died and thousands displaced in recent heavy rains and flooding in Central America.