Pope Benedict XVI expresses solidarity with Colombian landslide victims

Rome, Italy, Dec 14, 2010 / 11:57 am

Pope Benedict XVI has expressed solidarity with the victims of the Dec. 5 landslide in the Colombian town of Bello.

Colombia’s ambassador to the Holy See, Cesar Mauricio Velasquez added that the Pope is urging solidarity with those affected by the torrential rains that have drenched 80 percent of the country.

During a Dec. 12 visit to the town of Bello, which is near the Colombian city of Medellin, Velasquez told reporters, “The Pope has encouraged the International Caritas Network to help those affected, especially the families of the deceased in Bello.”

The Holy Father “shares the suffering of the victims of the torrential rains in Colombia,” the ambassador said, especially those in Bello.

Benedict XVI is praying “for the children who were buried in the landslide, and for their families, that they might receive divine comfort and strength,” he added.

Velasquez said he was “astonished” at the scale of the tragedy and at the organization and determination of those involved in the rescue effort, which he described as “exemplary.”