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

Full
statement follows:

“Once
again, our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Mexico, who yesterday
suffered yet another catastrophic earthquake, on the anniversary of the 1985
earthquake that claimed the lives of thousands of people. The states
principally affected were Morelos, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Mexico
State, and the capital, Mexico City.

“Today
Pope Francis at his General Audience expressed his solidarity with the Mexican
people, and implored ‘Almighty God to welcome all those who lost their lives.’ The
Mexican bishops expressed their condolences to all those affected, and
highlighted the generous fraternal affection the nation is witnessing in the
response and rescue efforts: ‘Once again, we are witnessing the solidarity of
the Mexican people, who sees a brother and sister in those who are suffering.’

“We
join them in prayer and solidarity, and together invoke the maternal protection
of our Lady of Guadalupe, Comforter of the Afflicted and Mother Most Merciful.”

—

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 the
Afflicted, Mother Most Merciful.

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Media Contact:

Judy Keane

202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops