Pope prays for Hurricane Rita victims
Pope Benedict XVI called today for special prayers for the victims of Hurricane Rita, as well as for the rescue workers trying to help them, during his final Sunday blessing from his summer residence south of Rome.
“Our thoughts go especially to those who are affected by the natural disasters in the US and other parts of the world,” Benedict said from his balcony overlooking the courtyard at the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo.
“I invite you to join me in prayer to the Lord for all who suffer, for the victims and their loved ones, and for the rescue workers,” he said.
Rita slammed into the southern US Gulf Coast on yesterday, just weeks after Hurricane Katrina flooded parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. Rita downed trees, sparked fires and swamped Louisiana towns with a 15-foot storm surge.
It was Benedict’s final Sunday blessing from the hillside town before returning to the Vatican after about two months of vacation. He has a busy few weeks ahead of him, including a major meeting of the world’s bishops starting next Sunday.
“On this last Sunday that I spend at Castel Gandolfo, I want to cordially greet the entire community, renewing my thanks for the welcome that you gave me,” Benedict told the crowd.
On Saturday evening, Benedict met privately with the families of the people who work at the papal palace, saying he would return to Rome with “great memories” of his vacation.
“Certainly, this place will be a ’Vatican II’ also for me,” he said.
