Pope renews closeness to disaster-struck Papua New Guinea

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

As the death toll continues to rise, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to all those afflicted by the devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea, during his Wednesday General Audience in the Vatican.

"I wish to assure you of my prayers for the victims of the massive landslide that swept through some villages in Papua New Guinea," he said, addressing Italian pilgrims.

"May the Lord comfort their families, those who lost their homes and the Papuan people, whom, God willing, I will meet next September."

Parts of a mountain in the Maip-Mulitaka area in Enga province in the country's north collapsed in the early hours of last Friday.

More than 2,000 people are estimated to have died, with up to 70,000 people living in the area impacted by the disaster.

Death toll reaching new heights

This marks the Pope's latest appeal for those suffering, following his telegram of condolences on Monday.

In the message, the Holy Father prayed especially for the deceased, their loved ones, and for the rescue of the many still missing.

The Pope offered his "encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they continue their relief efforts," and invoked upon all "divine blessings of consolation and strength."

The Holy Father is set to visit the nation along with Indonesia, Singapore and Timor-Leste, in September.

Blessed Giuseppe Rossi never abandoned his flock during WWII

At the General Audience, the Pope also recalled that on Sunday, the martyred priest, Father Giuseppe Rossi, was beatified in Novara, Italy.

The "zealous parish priest of charity," the Holy Father said, "did not abandon his flock during the tragic period of World War II, but defended it, to the point of shedding his blood."

"May his heroic testimony help us to face the trials of life with fortitude," Pope Francis prayed, before inviting the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square to join him in applause for the new Blessed.

Liturgical Memorial of St. Paul VI

As the Holy Father offered greetings to young people, the sick, elderly and newlyweds, he recalled that Wednesday, May 29, marks the liturgical memorial of St Paul VI.

Calling the late Pope "a pastor burning with love for Christ, for the Church and for humanity," the Pope prayed this anniversary "may help everyone to rediscover the joy of being Christian, inspiring a renewed commitment to building the civilisation of love."

"And please," Pope Francis requested, "if you have some time, read Paul VI's letter ‘Evangelii nuntiandi,’ which is still relevant today."