Pope Francis on Sunday offers his prayers for the victims of the devastating floods that have struck Mexico in recent days.
The Holy Father’s thoughts came after praying the noonday Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
“I am near the victims of the flooding that happened in the State of Hidalgo in Mexico, especially to the sick who died in the hospital of Tula and their families,” the Pope Said.
Floodwaters swept through streets and into buildings, including the hospital of the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Flooding also knocked out power in the area including the hospital, which was caring for several COVID-19 patients. 17 patients died said Vatican News.
“I want to assure my prayer for the people who have been unjustly detained in foreign countries: unfortunately, there are several cases, for different, and sometimes, complex causes,” Francis continued. “I hope that, in the due fulfillment of justice, these people might return as soon as possible to their homeland.”
The Pope continued his remarks by greeting the various groups present:
“I greet all of you, people from Rome and pilgrims from various countries – Poles, Slovaks, those from Honduras – you are great! – families, groups, associations, and individual members of the faithful. In particular, I greet the Confirmation candidates from Scandicci and the Allievi Association (Association of Students) founded by Servant of God, Father Gianfranco Maria Chiti, a Capuchin brother, on the hundredth anniversary of his birth.
“My thoughts go to those who are gathered in the Shrine of La Salette in France, on the 175th anniversary of the apparition of the Madonna who appeared in tears to two children. Mary’s tears make us think of Jesus’ tears over Jerusalem and of his anguish in Gethsemane: they are a reflection of Christ’s suffering for our sins and an appeal that is always contemporary, to entrust ourselves to God’s mercy.”
