Pope Francis prayed for the victims of the explosion at the Hotel Saratoga in Havana this Sunday (8) May 6. According to the Cuban government, the incident killed at least 27 people.
During the prayer, the Pope said, “We also pray for the victims of the explosion that took place in a large hotel in Cuba’s capital Havana. May the Rising Jesus take them to their Father’s house and give comfort to their families.” .
According to local media, at least 19 people are still missing, including 13 hotel employees. However, Cuban authorities have not confirmed the number, which could be higher.
The Cuban government said the tragedy was caused by a gas leak. Responsibles of the rescue operations stated at the press conference that 81 of them were injured and 37 of them were hospitalized.
Work to remove the wreckage of the building continues uninterrupted. The Cuban presidency reported on Twitter that leader Miguel Díaz-Canel visited some of the injured who were taken to hospitals in the city and thanked the rescuers, paramedics, Red Cross members and everyone who helped with the rescue operation.
Pope calls for an end to war in Ukraine: ‘Weapons don’t bring peace’
Pope Francis reinforced Russia’s call for an end to the Ukraine war started on February 24 and called on those responsible for the conflict to lay down their arms.
After the recitation of the Regina, the Pope said, “I offer the Blessed Virgin the pain and tears of the Ukrainian people, especially in the face of the frenzy of war. Please continue to pray the Rosary every day for peace.” Coeli’s prayer.
Speaking to the thousands of believers gathered in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, Francis asked for prayers for those in charge of the nations, “so that people who want peace and know well that weapons never bring will not lose their sense.”
The Argentine added, “By kneeling spiritually before our Lady, I entrust to her the ardent desire for peace of many peoples in various parts of the world suffering the senseless tragedy of war.”
Finally, the Pope gave a “special salute” to the group of Ukrainian refugees and the families who received them in Macchie, near Perugia, Italy.
source: Noticias
