Pope Francis Prays for the Thousands Killed by a 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

On February 6, 2023 a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria in morning it destroyed hundreds of buildings and killed thousands of people. Turkey lies in one of the world's most active earthquake zones. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday's disaster was the worst the country. The latest reports indicate that over 2,600 people have died with hundreds missing and injured. Neighboring countries affected. Pope Francis sent telegrams of condolences and assurances of prayers to the apostolic nuncios of the countries. Pope Francis says he is deeply saddened to learn of the huge loss of life caused by a powerful earthquake that has struck south-eastern Turkey and north-western Syria.

Hundreds are still missing and believed to be trapped under the rubble and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue workers search. In two separate telegrams signed on his behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope offered words of condolence and asked the apostolic nuncios, Marek Solczynski in Turkey, and Mario Zenari in Syria, to send his assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected. The Pope entrusted “those who died to the loving mercy of the Almighty” and sent his “heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss.” Also, he said he “prays that the emergency personnel will be sustained in their care of the injured and in the ongoing relief efforts by the divine gifts of fortitude and perseverance.” The Pope also expressed a “renewed sign of his spiritual solidarity” for the “long-suffering Syrian people.”

Edited from Vatican News with Death Toll from the Wall Street Journal