Vatican - Pope John Paul yesterday offered prayers for the Turkish earthquake victims and also sent his condolences to their families.
"Deeply saddened by the news of the heavy loss of life and injury cause by the earthquake which affected Izmit, Istanbul and north-western Turkey the Holy Father is praying for those who died or were injured," the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, said in a telegram to the Archbishop of Izmit.
The telegram said the Pope "implores Almighty God's gift of courage and strength upon all who are grieving."