Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Luanda (Agenzia Fides)- “We are deeply grateful for the Holy Father’s message of solidarity and hope” say local Church sources in Angola after Pope Benedict XVI sent a telegramme to express solidarity and encouragement to the victims of serious floods in parts of the capital Luanda.
“The message was welcomed across the nation. It was read out by the apostolic nuncio to Angola, Archbishop Angelo Becciu, during a televised Mass on Sunday 28 January. Archbishop Becciu had been invited to preside the Mass for a profession of five new women religious” the source told Fides. “The Pope’s words were widely appreciated and welcomed by the people and the government.
The message, sent to the Nuncio by secretary of state Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, said the Pope, “profoundly saddened by the tragedy of Angolan people affected by torrential rains causing death, devastation and serious damage, assures the stricken people of his closeness and prayers that God in his mercy will comfort and sustain the families and all those who have lost everything”. The message said the Pope implores God’s blessing “on all who are suffering and on those involved in rescue work and rebuilding”.
About a hundred people were reported dead and at least 1,800 homeless after torrential rains struck parts of Luandan suburbs on 22 January” says Fides source. “Most of the people affected were living in unregistered makeshift homes. The causes are natural but also human, with illegal building without rules. But this was certainly a tragedy of poverty”.
“Rescue workers were quick to reach the area, the government even sent helicopters” the source told Fides. “The rain has stopped and rebuilding has started. The authorities have assigned 10 million dollars to build homes in places more suitable and safer”.
The local Church was swift to mobilise assistance at parish centres through Caritas Angola. On 25 January, a holiday in Luanda city, some 10,000 people attended a special Mass in the city sports stadium presided by the Archbishop Damiao Antònio Franklin who asked the people to help the flood victims with prayers and generous material aid. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 30/1/2007 righe 39 parole 469)
