Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Benedict XVI has appealed for Catholics to join him in praying for ‘all who have lost their lives’ in the earthquake that devastated ChristChurch in New Zealand yesterday.

“A new and powerful earthquake, even more devastating than the one last September, has struck the city of Christchurch, in New Zealand, causing considerable loss of life and the disappearance of many people, to say nothing of the damage to buildings,” he said at the end of his general audience today. “At this time, my thoughts turn especially to the people there who are being severely tested by this tragedy.”

“Let us ask God to relieve their suffering and to support all who are involved in the rescue operations. I also ask you to join me in praying for all who have lost their lives.”

The death toll continues to rise after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the city on New Zealand’s South Island (above).

Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo, Apostolic Nuncio to New Zealand, said that New Zealanders are grateful for the Pope’s message of solidarity and prayers. He added that people remained trapped after the earthquake and the collapsed buildings are ‘so unstable that it is difficult for rescuers to find them.’

“The city is still 80 per cent without water and electricity and relief camps have been set up for the people,” he added.

Structures damaged include the 150-year-old Blessed Sacrament Catholic Cathedral (above) on Barbadoes Street that has half collapsed, with cracks in the rest of the structure. The spire of Christchurch Anglican Cathedral (see woman rescued in photograph below) collapsed in on itself. Damage to the city is estimated to be in the region of billions of dollars.

Following  a message of sympathy and support from Cardinal Keith O’Brien, Britain’s most senior Catholic clergyman, yesterday, Bishop Crispian Hollis of Portsmouth today sent a message to Bishop Barry Jones of Christchurch. Portsmouth Diocese has strong links with the city of Christchurch in New Zealand.

Pic: PA/David Wethey