Pope encourages quake-nervous Chileans

Benedict said he would ˝pray to God to grant his comfort to all those affected by such enormous misfortune.˝

SANTIAGO, March 5, 2010 (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday sent a message of encouragement to the people of Chile, still on edge after the weekend earthquake that devastated much of the south-central region of their country.

"Deeply saddened by the painful news of the earthquake that has resulted in numerous victims, injuries and considerable material damage, I offer prays for the eternal rest of the dead," the pope said in a statement read in Spanish by Rancagua Bishop Alejandro Goic Karmelic.

Benedict said he would "pray to God to grant his comfort to all those affected by such enormous misfortune," and said he hoped that the disaster "would inspire in everyone feelings of Christian hope and fraternal solidarity to overcome adversity."

He also said that he hoped the event would help rally church communities, civil institutions and people of good faith so that, in these difficult times, they lend efficient help with a generous spirit."

The pope on Sunday declared his solidarity with Chile and prayed for earthquake victims.

The powerful 8.8 magnitude quake and following tsunami that struck Chile on Saturday killed more than 800 people, according to official figures.