Pope Francis, in a telegram signed by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said he was saddened by this natural catastrophe and assured the people of his "prayerful communion" and "deep solidarity" towards "those who are touched in the flesh and in the heart by this tragedy." The Pontiff prayed for the dead, for the healing of the injured and for the consolation of those who "mourn the loss of their loved ones and their homes." Yesterday, after the Angelus, Pope Francis reiterated his closeness to the "dear people of Morocco", hoping that "the concrete help of all can support the population in this tragic moment. We are close to the people of Morocco."
From the pages of the Osservatore Romano, Cardinal Cristóbal López, SDB, Archbishop of Rabat, reports that now is the time for compassion and solidarity towards all the families affected by the earthquake, who have lost their loved ones or who have seen their homes destroyed. The Archbishop has launched an appeal to all Christians and all people of good will, so that they can help in the most appropriate way. He said that Caritas in parishes in Morocco have met and that he situation was taken into account in the course of the work. "An important commitment, even if a symboli one, because we are a small Church."
Yesterday, 9 September, Cardinal Cristóbal López was in Marrakech to preside over the Eucharist celebrated in memory of all the victims.
The response of the Catholic Church in Morocco, Diocese of Rabat, was also ready. In a statement it expressed its "compassion for all victims, in particular for families in mourning or with injured members. Our thoughts also go to those who have lost their homes and their property." They also state that the Christian communities have not suffered personal losses, but only slight material damage to church buildings in Marrakech and Ouarzazate.
"May God help us to draw positive consequences from this painful event" the communiqué concludes,"transforming our hearts into a heart of mercy, solidarity and tenderness towards our brothers and sisters in difficulty."
