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'Let's pray for them': Pope Francis expresses support for Mexico earthquake victims

"Brothers and sisters, I am very close to you," said Pope Francis to Mexican earthquake victims, speaking in his native Spanish.
Image: Pope Francis speaks during his weekly general audience after giving a message to people of the United States, honouring George Floyd and saying \"no one can turn a blind eye to racism\", in this still image taken from video at the Vatican
Pope Francis speaks during his weekly general audience in this still image taken from video at the Vatican, June 3, 2020.Vatican Media / Reuters

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis is praying for victims of a powerful earthquake in southern Mexico.

Francis spoke off the cuff during his weekly general audience on Wednesday to express his solidarity with Mexico. Speaking in his native Spanish, Francis said: “Yesterday a violent earthquake hit the south of Mexico causing victims, injuries and enormous damage. Let’s pray for them. May the help of God and our brothers give them strength and support. Brothers and sisters, I am very close to you.”

The 7.4 quake centered near the southern Mexico resort of Huatulco killed at least six people.

The Argentine pope visited Mexico, the world’s second-largest Catholic country, in 2016.

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