Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Conception (Agenzia Fides) – Chile has announced a time of national mourning starting tomorrow, March 7, for three days, in honor of the victims of the devastating earthquake of February 27. Pope Benedict XVI sent a message to Bishop Alejandro Goic Karmelic, Bishop of Rancagua and President of the Bishops' Conference of Chile, in which he expressed his sorrow for what happened, asking God to "comfort" for those who fell victim to this tragic event, eternal rest for the dead, and to inspire in all "Christian hope and feelings of fraternal solidarity to overcome this adversity." Invoking the protection of "Nuestra Señora del Carmen," the Pope imparts his blessing as "a sign of affection to the beloved people of Chile.”
Two days ago, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon began his visit to the country hit by the earthquake, to assess the damage and the assistance needed. The executive committee of the incumbent President Michelle Bachelet has announced that the number of dead appears to be 316 and not 802, as had been reported. This occurred because about 500 people were considered dead at the time, but are still missing. A total of 316 dead have been found, according to reports from the Secretary of the Interior, Patricio Rosende who submitted names and surnames of all 279 identified victims from a certain area, stating that the search would be extended "to the bodies at sea" and therefore, the figure is “likely to increase.”
The Catholic Church in Chile, through the Chairman and Secretary General of the Bishops' Conference, issued a message asking to keep up morale, restore confidence, and work together to rebuild after the disaster. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 06/03/2010)
