On August 5, a near magnitude-7 earthquake struck the tourist area of Lombok in Indonesia, causing a wave of panic.
The disaster took the lives of dozens of people, and Pope Francis sent his support from the Vatican via telegram.
In it, the Holy Father says he heard the news with “great sadness” and is praying especially for the victims and their families. He also expresses his support for civil officials and volunteers carrying out rescue missions.
The pope is familiar with the tragedy caused by earthquakes. In Italy, he visited areas affected by the 2016 quakes and met with victims.
POPE FRANCIS
January 5, 2017
“This way of life is a new situation. Have the audacity to dream once more.”
They were encounters full of deep pain, but in which Pope Francis has always sent a message of hope.