“Yesterday in Ecuador, the earthquake caused deaths, injuries and great damage. I am close to the people of Ecuador, I assure you of my prayers for the dead and for all those who suffer,” he said.
At least 15 people were killed in the natural disaster that hit south-western Ecuador and northern Peru yesterday, and a four-year-old girl died in Peru.
Then the Holy Father greeted the faithful present in St. Peter, noticing, among other things, a lot of Polish flags. He also greeted the participants of the Rome Marathon. “I congratulate you because, through the initiative of the “Athletica Vaticana” team, you are making this important sporting event an opportunity for solidarity on behalf of the poorest,” Francis said.
Then the pope, referring to the figure of St. Józefa wished all fathers. “May they find in St. Joseph a model, support and consolation to live their fatherhood well,” said the Holy Father. Then, together with the faithful, they will recite the “Our Father” prayer for all fathers.
At the end of the prayer meeting, the Holy Father recalled the victims of the Russian aggression against Ukraine: “Brothers and sisters, let us not forget to pray for the tormented Ukrainian people who continue to suffer from war crimes.”