VATICAN (SE): Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the populations of Myanmar and Thailand, struck by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28, Vatican News reported. In a telegramme, the pope expressed his sorrow at the loss of life and widespread devastation.
The pope offered heartfelt prayers for the souls of the deceased and assured his spiritual closeness to all affected by this tragedy. Media reported on March 29 that the death toll in Myanmar had hit 1,000 dead and could reach up to 10,000. In Thailand, at least 150 people were killed and more than 700 injured.
Pope Francis said his thoughts also went to all emergency personnel, whom, he prayed, “may be sustained in their care of the injured and displaced by the divine gifts of fortitude and perseverance.”
