Pope Francis has expressed his solidarity with the victims of a devastating cyclone that hit Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean Territory, on Saturday. The cyclone, known as Chido, left widespread destruction and is feared to have claimed thousands of lives.
Marc Bulteau, head of Secours Catholique, described the situation as “apocalyptic”, citing that around 300,000 inhabitants live in makeshift slums, many of which were razed by the cyclone. The Pope prayed for God’s rest for those who lost their lives, assistance to those in need, and comfort to affected families.
In his General Audience, Pope Francis also spoke out for peace in war zones, including Palestine, Israel, Ukraine, and Myanmar. He urged people to remember those suffering from war and to ask for God’s grace for peace in the world.
Additionally, he appealed to pilgrims from Poland to care for Ukrainian refugees by remembering them during Christmas Eve festivities, promoting charity, peace, and forgiveness.
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-12/pope-prays-for-victims-of-cyclone-in-mayotte.html