It is the third time that the Pope has spoken in public about the catastrophe in Valencia. He did it in the last two Angelus. And, in his general audience on Wednesday, he wanted to have a special gesture with the Valencian people.
Minutes before beginning his catechesis, the Pope asked the audience to turn towards the Virgin who presided over the meeting. It was the Virgin of the Forsaken, patroness of Valencia.
POPE FRANCIS
Valencia suffers a lot. And also other parts of Spain. But particuarly Valencia, which suffers under water. And I wanted the patron saint of Valencia to be here. This image was given to me by the Valencians themselves. Today in a special way we pray for Valencia and other parts of Spain that suffer from the water.
After learning of what happened in Valencia, the Pope called the city's archbishop, concerned about the situation. He also sent a video message to the president of the Spanish bishops. The climate catastrophe suffered in Spain is one of the worst in southern Europe in decades.
TR: JD
