MAKING A promised visit to the earthquake-devastated region of Abruzzo in central Italy yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI said the recent tragedy there should prompt a “profound reflection” in both the church and the civil community.
At the end of a morning which saw him visit some of the worst-hit areas in the city of L’Aquila and its surrounds, the pope said: “As Christians, we have to ask ourselves – what does the Lord want to say to us via this sad event? We lived through this year’s Easter, confronted by this trauma, calling on the word of God and receiving new enlightenment.
“We recalled the death and resurrection of Christ with your pain always in our minds and hearts, praying that those who suffered would not lose their faith in God or their hope.
“However, the civil community too must ask itself some serious questions so that the level of responsibility, at every point, is ascertained.
“In such conditions, then, L’Aquila, even if injured, can take flight again.”
Some 296 people died in the 6.3 magnitude quake, which struck not only the medieval city of L’Aquila, but also the surrounding area, on the morning of Monday, April 6th.
Pope Benedict began his visit in Onna, where 40 of the 350 residents were killed as the small village was almost erased.
After meeting some of the residents and rescue workers in the tented village which now houses most of the inhabitants of Onna, the pope said: “The entire church is here with me to share your suffering and your pain for the loss of loved ones and friends and we are keen to help you rebuild those houses, churches and businesses that were destroyed or badly damaged by the earthquake.
“My presence among you is intended as a tangible sign that our crucified Lord has risen again and has not abandoned you.”
Later, the pope visited both the student residence in L’Aquila, where six students died, and the 13th-century Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio.
Surrounded by fire-fighters, he prayed before the remains of Pope Celestine V, the 13th-century hermit and saint, famous as the only pope ever to resign.
As Pope Benedict observed the ruined remains of the basilica, the roof of which roof fell in during the earthquake, he said to those around him: “It’s much worse than I had expected, having seen it just on TV.”