Prayers for those devastated by earthquake in Morocco

Thirty seconds that felt like an eternity. That is how long the ground shook during the devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the Marrakech region of Morocco on Friday night, 8 September. More than 2,900 people have been reported dead and more than 5,500 others injured.

Pope Francis continues to express his sorrow and closeness to those affected. In a telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Saturday, 9 September, the Pope expressed “his prayerful communion in the face of this natural disaster” as well as “his profound solidarity with those who are touched in their flesh and heart by this tragedy”. The Holy Father “prays for the repose of the dead, the healing of the injured and the consolation of those who mourn the loss of their loved ones and their homes”, and, the telegram reads, he “prays to the Most High to support Moroccans in this time of trial and offers his encouragement to the civil authorities and rescue services”, invoking “divine blessings on all as a token of comfort”.

Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, Archbishop of Rabat and President of Caritas Morocco, launched an appeal through Caritas Internationalis, asking for aid, including essential items like generators for electricity, durable tents, clothing, medicine and food. However, he said, there will also be the need for people who can offer emotional and spiritual support to the devastated community.