BY Daniel Harkins | June 3 | 
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Holy Father expresses his closeness to China ship disaster victims
Pope Francis asks for prayers for those affected by the capsizing of The Eastern Star in China’s Yangtze River, before speaking about poverty and families
Pope Francis has asked the faithful to pray for the victims of a capsized cruise ship on China’s Yangtze River.
The Eastern Star sank in bad weather on Monday night, with 456 mainly elderly people on board. There have been 26 confirmed deaths, with 14 rescued and hope fading of more survivors being found.
“In a particular way I wish to express my closeness to the Chinese people in these difficult moments after the ferry disaster in the Yangtze River,” the Pope said. “Pray for the victims, their families and for all involved in the rescue efforts.”
The Holy Father spoke during his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square. During his catechesis on the family, Pope Francis said a ‘poorer Church will bear fruit for so many of her needy children.’
“Today we consider one of the conditions which afflict too many families, namely, poverty,” he said. “And yet, in the worst of circumstances, even in war torn areas, how often these families persevere with dignity, entrusting themselves to the goodness of God. It is a miracle that even in extreme situations families continue to be formed and sustained.”
Modern economics, the Pope said, promote individual wellbeing at the expense of the family.
“As Christians, however, we must always look for ways to strengthen and support families, especially poorer ones,” he added. “The Church, as a mother, can never be blind to the sufferings of her children.
“For each of us, this means choosing simplicity both individually and in our institutions, so as to break down walls of division and overcome all difficulties, especially poverty.”
The Pope concluded by asking that we pray ‘for the grace of conversion so that Christian families everywhere will be truly committed to helping their poorer brothers and sisters.’
Pic: PA Photos: Chinese paramilitary policemen work on the river bank behind the capsized ship, centre, on the Yangtze River in China’s Hubei province, today. The capsizing late on Monday of the multi-decked Eastern Star in the Yangtze River in southern China is on track to become the country’s deadliest maritime disaster in seven decades.
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