The Holy Father remembered the victims of flooding in the Italian island of Sardinia today in a message to the President of the Episcopal Conference of Sardinia.
Pope Francis also led the faithful in prayer for the victims at the conclusion of his weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square.
Over 17 inches of rain fell in an estimated 90 minutes on Tuesday morning, resulting in massive flooding. Some areas reported almost 10 feet of water. As of now 18 people, including 4 children have died from the natural disaster while countless others remain missing.
Vatican Secretary of State, Archbishop Pietro Parolin, sent a telegram on behalf of the Holy Father, conveying the Pope’s sympathy and condolences.
“His Holiness wishes to have his affectionate word of comfort and encouragement reach all, assuring of a particular remembrance in prayer for all those who have lost their life and for all those tried by this grave calamity,” the message stated.
Archbishop Parolin also conveyed the Holy Father’s hope that those affected will receive the necessary aid to assist them.
At the end of his General Audience, the Holy Father invited the faithful to remember the victims of Sardinia and led the tens of thousands gathered in silent prayer as well as in the recitation of the Hail Mary.
“Let us pray for them and their families and we stand in solidarity with those who have suffered,” the Pope said.
