Tragic Earthquake and Bombing in Italy

Pope Benedict XVI prayed for the victims of the two catastrophes that struck Italy this weekend; a bombing and an earthquake.

High School Bombing

The first calamity was a Saturday morning bomb attack on a Brindisi high school, which the Pope described as a "cowardly" act of "brutal violence". Investigators say that the attack which killed a teenaged girl and wounded 10 others - prompting spontaneous demonstrations throughout Italy - was probably carried out by an individual with no links to the mafia, as had been feared at first.

Magnitude 6 Earthquake in Northern Italy

The second catastrophe was a deadly earthquake early Sunday morning in the Emilia region. Registering magnitude 6 on the Richter scale, it was felt across northern Italy and as far away as Milan and Venice, forcing terrified residents into the streets.
Authorities report severe damage, with many collapsed buildings in ancient hill top towns and rescuers are still searching for survivors beneath rubble.
As he ended his midday appointment in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict’s last thoughts went to them: “We implore God's mercy for those who have died", he said "and relief from suffering for the injured”.