Papal prayers for victims of explosion in China
August 17, 2015
Following his August 15 Angelus address, Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims of explosions in Tianjin, China.
“My thoughts go out, in this moment, to the people of the city of Tianjin, in northern China, where several explosions in an industrial area have caused numerous deaths and injuries, and extensive damage,” he said. “I assure my prayers for those who have lost their lives and for all those who are suffering from this disaster; may the Lord give them comfort and support all those engaged in relieving their suffering.”
The Pontiff also encouraged the faithful to venerate the Marian image of Salus Populi Romani, a Byzantine icon in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
“How beautiful would it be if today you could go to visit Our Lady, the Salus Populi Romani, in Santa Maria Maggiore,” he said. “It would be a beautiful gesture.”
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Further information:
- Death toll in blasts in China's Tianjin port rises to 85 (AP)
- Le parole del Papa alla recita dell’Angelus, 15.08.2015 (Holy See Press Office)
- Zenit translation
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