“We know that God is close to those that suffer. We pray that your people sense the love and care of their brothers and sisters around the world, including from Oceania,” the message reads.
The Pope invited those present, "Let us pray together that these brothers and sisters of ours may move forward in the face of this tragedy, and let us ask Our Lady to protect them: Hail Mary, ..."
Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States launched the Earthquake Aid for Turkey and Syria Fund to help the earthquake victims affected by the disastrous earthquake in Turkey and Syria on Monday.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the huge loss of life caused by a powerful earthquake that has struck south-eastern Turkey and north-western Syria,” Pope Francis said.
In a Telegram message on Tuesday, Pope Francis "sends condolences to the families and friends of those who have died, assuring the injured and those who mourn their loved ones of his spiritual closeness."
An Islamic political party in Indonesia said Tuesday that Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could spark a civilizational clash because of his calls for an Islamic “reawakening” amid the establishment of the Hagia Sophia as a mosque.
The ancient monument of emperors and sultans promises to be a stage of much self-promotion, with the court decision coming in time for prayers to take place on July 15, the date marking the failed coup attempt.
A Christian doctor who was hailed as "the doctor of the poor" after being cleared by Turkish authorities of wrongdoing has died of COVID-19 in Istanbul.
