During his General Audience, Pope Francis greeted the parish of Montegallo in central Italy, which was hit by an earthquake five years ago.
POPE FRANCIS
'I also extend a greeting to the faithful of Montegallo, who on August 24th five years ago were hit by an earthquake. Dear brothers and sisters, your presence gives me the chance to turn my thoughts to the victims and to the community in central Italy.'
MAN
'Today while remembering this tragedy we came to see the Holy Father so he would give us a blessing. It was a very beautiful and emotional moment. Many of us were moved and I was personally very moved.'
In 2016, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck over 140 towns and villages in central Italy, killing 303 people and displacing over 40,000 from their homes. At the time, Pope Francis sent a group of Vatican firefighters to assist in the relief efforts. Five years later, he continues to pray for the community's reconstruction.
POPE FRANCIS
'You must try to rebuild without giving in to hopelessness. I encourage you all to keep moving forward with hope, and have courage!'
MAN
'It is a blessing for all of us, for all of those affected by the earthquake, for all Italians, for everyone, the Pope's blessing is for one and for all, right?'
The 6.2-magnitude earthquake was the strongest in Italy since 2009, and was felt throughout central Italy, reaching cities such as Florence and Rome.
JM
