Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, issued the following statement in response to the human tragedy caused by the earthquake in Central Italy today:

Archbishop Eamon said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the deaths today of so many people due to the earthquake in Central Italy. Following the example of Pope Francis this afternoon – who replaced his weekly General Audience in Rome by leading pilgrims in the Rosary for the victims of the earthquake – I offer my prayerful solidarity to the people of the affected areas and for their loved ones who have been injured and killed. I also ask for prayers of support to those providing emergency assistance and medical treatment to the injured and displaced. Many Irish people have friends and family living in Italy or have spent time there on holidays and, at this time of human loss, I encourage everyone, through prayer and friendship, to express solidarity with our Italian community in our parishes, schools and workplaces.”

ENDS

For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long 00353 (0) 86 172 7678 and Brenda Drumm 00353 (0) 87 310 4444