#BreakingNews Death Toll from the Earthquake in Syria - Turkey Reaches Over 11,000 - Pope Francis Prays for Victims

On February 6th an earthquake hit Turkey and north-central Syria and has caused over 11,000 (latest Toll updated from News Nation see below) deaths with many still missing. Many buildings were destroyed including the Cathedral of the Annunciation or Iskenderun Cathedral, in Turkey. The body of Catholic Melkite priest Imad Daher was found under rubble in Aleppo, Syria.

 

At his General Audience on Feb. 8th, Pope Francis led the faithful in a Hail Mary prayer for the victims. The pope said:
My thoughts go, at this time, to the peoples of Turkey and Syria who have been hard hit by the earthquake, which has caused thousands of deaths and injuries. With emotion I pray for them and express my closeness to these peoples, to the families of the victims and to all those who are suffering from this devastating calamity. I thank the relief workers and I encourage everyone to show solidarity with those territories, some of which have already been ravaged by a long war. Let us pray together that these brothers and sisters of ours may move on, overcoming this tragedy, and let us ask Our Lady to protect them: "Ave Maria...".