Following President Peter Mutharika's declaration on January 13th, 2015 that 15 districts in the country are disaster areas, His Holiness Pope Francis through the office of Apostolic Nunciature in Malawi has conveyed a solidarity message to the people of Malawi through His Grace, Archbishop Thomas Msusa, Vice President of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM).
Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi, His Excellency Archbishop Julio Murat through his forwarded message from the Holy Father released on 21st January 2015 said His Holiness Pope Francis is deeply concerned with the tragic consequences of heavy rains in Malawi.
In his statement to the Most Rev. Thomas Msusa, Archbishop of Blantyre, the Apostolic Nuncio stated, “I would like to forward you the message of His Holiness Pope Francis on the tragic consequences of heavy rains in Malawi.”
“His Holiness Pope Francis, informed of the tragic consequences of the heavy rains in Malawi, has asked me to convey his close and solidarity to you and the Catholic faithful, and all the beloved people of Malawi,” reads the message.
The message which was signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State at the Vatican continues to read, “He assures you of his prayers for the victims, their families and all affected by this catastrophe. The Holy Father invokes God’s blessings of strength and perseverance upon those engaged in the massive work of relief, and he expresses his fervent hope that the international community will respond generously and effectively to the needs of the suffering.”
At least 200 people are reported killed by floods and tens of thousands evacuated in what has been branded the worst flooding on record in the Southern African nation.
Apart from killing about 200 people, the floods have also displaced at least 200,000; others left homes and schools submerged in water and roads washed away by the deluge.
Written by Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer