Statement from President of U.S. Bishops Conference - Mexico Earthquake

WASHINGTON—CardinalDaniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the U.S. Conference ofCatholic Bishops has issued the following statement to the people of Mexicofollowing yesterday's powerful earthquake that struck southeast of Mexico City.

WASHINGTON—CardinalDaniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the U.S. Conference ofCatholic Bishops has issued the following statement to the people of Mexicofollowing yesterday's powerful earthquake that struck southeast of Mexico City. The death tollhas now surpassed 200. As the desperate search for survivors continues, CardinalDiNardo calls for prayers for those suffering from the catastrophic earthquake.

Fullstatement follows: 

"Onceagain, our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Mexico, who yesterdaysuffered yet another catastrophic earthquake, on the anniversary of the 1985earthquake that claimed the lives of thousands of people. The statesprincipally affected were Morelos, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Guerrero, Oaxaca, MexicoState, and the capital, Mexico City.  

"TodayPope Francis at his General Audience expressed his solidarity with the Mexicanpeople, and implored 'Almighty God to welcome all those who lost their lives.' TheMexican bishops expressed their condolences to all those affected, andhighlighted the generous fraternal affection the nation is witnessing in theresponse and rescue efforts: 'Once again, we are witnessing the solidarity ofthe Mexican people, who sees a brother and sister in those who are suffering.'

"Wejoin them in prayer and solidarity, and together invoke the maternal protectionof our Lady of Guadalupe, Comforter of the Afflicted and Mother Most Merciful."

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Keywords:United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Mexico City, earthquake,Morelos, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Mexico State, Pope Francis,solidarity, condolences, suffering, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Comforter of theAfflicted, Mother Most Merciful. 

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