With these heartfelt words, His Holiness Pope Francis expressed his condolences for the families of the more than 350 people killed by Cyclone Idai, as well as his solidarity with the millions of people affected. The powerful storm made landfall on the coast of Mozambique last Thursday before spreading death and destruction halfway across southeast Africa.
As reported by Vatican news, The Pontiff made the appeal at the Wednesday General Audience held in St. Peter’s Square. His Holiness Pope Francis remarked that “In recent days, great floods have sowed mourning and devastation in various areas of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. I express my pain and closeness to those dear people.” Further, the Pontiff added, “I entrust the many victims and their families to the mercy of God, and I implore comfort and support for those affected by this calamity.”
Cyclone Idai struck Mozambique’s port city of Beira with winds of up to 170 kph on Thursday last week. Drone footage taken by the Red Cross showed the devastation wreaked upon one area, with empty plots seen where winds had blown entire buildings from their foundations. Mozambique started three days of national mourning on Wednesday for the victims, who currently number in excess of 200. President Filipe Nyusi says the death toll may reach a thousand, as rescuers continue to recover bodies and hundreds remain missing.
