Pope prays for victims of Hurricane Matthew

More than 900 people are known to have been killed in Haiti by Hurricane Matthew. Many people are still missing and thousands have lost their homes in what is one of the poorest countries in the world. In the US at least 18 people have lost their lives in the wake of the massive hurricane. During his Angelus address on Sunday Pope Francis said: "I learned with sorrow of the serious consequences caused by the hurricane which recently hit the Caribbean, especially Haiti, leaving many victims and displaced persons, as well as substantial property damage.

"I assure my closeness to the people and express confidence in the sense of solidarity of the international community, of Catholic institutions and people of good will. I invite you to join me in prayer for these brothers and sisters, so sorely tried."

The Holy Father also remembered the beatification on Saturday in Oviedo, Spain of Fr Gennaro Fueyo Castañón and three lay companions, killed during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. "We praise the Lord", he said, " for these heroic witnesses of the faith, combined to ranks of the martyrs that have given their lives in the name of Christ."

In concluding remarks the Pope greeted all the pilgrims who participated in the Marian Jubilee and thanked them for their presence.

Source: Vatican Radio