Rescue operations underway in India's Kerala state where torrential monsoon rains have cause immense damage to life and property - Photo: PTI imagesDuring the Angelus on August 19, 2018, in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis, with the 20,000 pilgrims gathered prayed for the many victims of the floods in Kerala, India. As many as 350 are feared dead, with many more missing and thousands trapped by the flood waters.
“Over the last days,” he remarked, “the inhabitants of Kerala have been harshly struck by intense rains, which have caused flooding and landslides, with heavy loss of human life, with many people missing and displaced, with extensive damage to crops and homes.”
The Holy Father asserted his hopes that “these brothers and sisters” would always be supported by our solidarity, and by concrete support from the international community. He expressed his closeness to the Church in Kerala, which is at the forefront of efforts to bring aid to the people.
Pope Francis then led the crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square in prayer for those suffering from “this great calamity.”
