Pope Benedict XVI Requests Prayers for Victims of Natural Disasters in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Italy

Responding to recent natural disasters, Pope Benedict XVI asks us to pray and support the many victims.  "My thought turns," said the Pope, "to the populations of the Pacific and southeast Asia, stricken in recent days by violent natural calamities: the tsunami in the islands of Samoa and Tonga; the typhoon in the Philippines, which then hit Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia; and the devastating earthquake in Indonesia."

The Holy Father continued:  "These catastrophes have caused grave losses of human life, numerous missing and homeless persons, and enormous material damage. I invite everyone to join me in prayer for the victims and their loved ones."  The Pope asks our prayers also for "those who are suffering from the floods in Sicily, especially around Messina."