During the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis expressed his sorrow for the earthquake in Ecuador that caused heavy damage and left more than a dozen dead.
“Yesterday, in Ecuador, an earthquake caused deaths, injuries and enormous damage,” Pope Francis said. “I want to express my solidarity with the Ecuadorian people and I promise to pray for the deceased and all those who suffer.”
He encouraged the people present in the square to reflect on the Gospel of the day, where a miracle of Jesus sparks controversy because it was performed on the Sabbath.
“Are we happy to proclaim that Jesus loves us, that he saves us,” Pope Francis said. “Or instead, like the parents of the man who was born blind, do we let ourselves be caged by the fear of what people will think?”
In his closing, Pope Francis greeted the participants and organizers of the Rome Marathon, which also took place that day.