Scottish Catholic Observer

“Yesterday a terrible earthquake struck Mexico – I see there are many Mexicans among you today – resulting in numerous victims and material damage,” said the Pope in Spanish at his weekly general audience today. “In this moment of suffering, I want to express my closeness and prayers to the entire Mexican population.”

The powerful quake, which measured 7.1 on the Richter scale, caused significant damage in Mexico City and nearby states.

Over 200 people were victims of the disaster, including many children in a school.

It comes less than two weeks after the country faced its strongest earthquake in a century, which had a magnitude of 8.1, and left 90 people dead and many homes destroyed.

The second earthquake tragically came on the anniversary of a 1985 earthquake in Mexico City, which caused the deaths of thousands.

The Pope asked God to ‘welcome’ those who had died and the efforts of rescue workers.

“Let us all raise our prayers together to God so that he may welcome into his bosom those who have lost their lives and comfort the wounded, their families and all those affected,” he said. “We also ask prayers for all the relief and rescue personnel who are lending their help to all the people affected.”

The Holy Father also called on the help of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of Mexico and to whom many Mexicans have a deep devotion.

“May our mother, the Virgin of Guadalupe, with great tenderness be near the beloved Mexican nation.”