Pope prays for flood hit Pakistan during Angelus in L'Aquila

By Vatican News staff reporter

At the end of the Eucharistic celebration on Sunday, in front of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Collemaggio in L’Aquila, Pope Francis expressed his thanks to all those, including civil authorities, volunteers, law enforcement and security forces for organising this visit to the Italian city.

He also greeted people who participated in Sunday’s events at a distance, whether from home, hospital, or prison.

‘Harsh calamity’ in Pakistan

Despite this being a Pastoral Visit within Italy, the Pope took the time to highlight the plight of tens of thousands of people in Pakistan who have been forced to flee their homes due to severe flooding, which has wreaked havoc on the country.

During the Angelus, he called the situation “a harsh calamity.”

Pakistan has appealed for international help, as the death toll in the South Asian nation continues to rise.

The National Disaster Management Authority said that over 1,000 have been killed since June as a result of Monsoon rains.

The devastation has forced tens of thousands to leave their homes in northern Pakistan.

The country's climate change minister said historic monsoon rains and flooding in the country have affected more than 30 million people over the last few weeks, calling the situation a "climate-induced humanitarian disaster of epic proportions".

Peace not war

Before the recitation of the Marian Prayer, Pope Francis again invoked Our Lady, so she might obtain pardon and peace for the entire world.

He also prayed for the people of Ukraine, and “for all those who suffer because of war. May the God of peace revive a human and Christian sense of pity and mercy in the hearts of the leaders of nations.”