Pope makes surprise visit to earthquake victims

Pope Francis at Amatrice

This morning, October 4th, Pope Francis made an unexpected trip to Amatrice, the Italian town devastated by earthquakes in August.

Some 230 residents perished in the earthquake, which registered at 6.2 magnitude on the Richter scale. Nearly 4,000 survivors were forced to move into tents near the town in central Italy.

Large crowds gathered today as the Holy Father arrived at a local school, hugging children, and speaking to survivors and the families of the earthquake victims.

Pope Francis did not announce the time of his arrival, explaining that he wanted the visit to be private so he might be closer to those directly affected.

"I thought long and hard in the first days after the earthquake that my visit, perhaps, would be more of a hindrance than a help," he said, adding, "I didn't want to be a bother so I let a little time pass, so that some things could be resolved. But from the first moment, I felt that I needed to come to you!"

Later, he visited other villages and towns affected by the earthquake, stopping to pray a Hail Mary with around 100 people. He said: "Solidarity and prayer: this is my offering to you. May the Lord bless you all; may Our Lady watch over you in this moment of sadness, pain, and trial." He concluded with words of encouragement, saying: "Let's move forward; there is always a future."