VATICAN - The Pope launches an appeal for seaquake victims in South Asia: “I urge believers and all men and women of good will to contribute generously to the major operation of solidarity for these peoples so tragically stricken and now exposed to the risk of epidemics of disease”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - At the end of his weekly General Audience this morning Pope John Paul II launched the following appeal in Italian :
“News from Asia continue to reveals the vastness of the immense catastrophe which affected mainly India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The international community and many humanitarian organisations promptly began to organise aid. The same is being done by the Church’s many charity institutions. In this season of Christmas I urge believers and all men and women of good will to contribute generously to the major operation of solidarity for these peoples so tragically stricken and now exposed to the risk of epidemics of disease. I am close to all with my love and prayers, especially to the injured and the homeless, while I entrust to the Divine Mercy of God the countless number of people who lost their lives.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 29/12/2004 - righe 11, parole 149)