VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis called for solidarity and concrete assistance for all those affected by a devastating earthquake in Morocco. At least 2,100 people were killed and more than 2,400 people were injured after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck central Morocco near Marrakech Sept. 8 after 11 p.m. local time. “I wish to express my proximity to the dear people of Morocco, stricken by a devastating earthquake,” the pope said after praying the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square Sept. 10. The pope thanked rescue workers and “those who are working to alleviate the suffering of the people; may concrete help on the part of everyone support the population at this tragic time. Let us be close to the people of Morocco!” The pope also expressed his sadness, prayers and “deep solidarity” with the nation’s people in a telegram sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, Sept. 9. The pope offered his “encouragement to civil authorities and rescue services” and invoked God’s blessings on everyone “as a token of comfort.”
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