Vatican City, Dec 23, 2018 / 05:47 am
After a deadly tsunami struck Indonesia Saturday night, killing more than 200 people and injuring hundreds more, Pope Francis has asked for everyone to join him in prayer for the suffering victims this Christmas.
"My thoughts go out right now to the populations of Indonesia, affected by violent natural disasters, which have caused serious losses in human lives, numerous people missing and homeless, and extensive material damage," Pope Francis said after his Angelus prayer Dec. 23.
"I invite everyone to join me in prayer for the victims and their loved ones," he said, calling for solidarity and support from the international community.
The tsunami left at least 222 people dead and more than 840 injured, according to Sutopo Purwo Nugroho from Indonesia's disaster management agency.