Pope Francis prayed for the people of Tonga on Wednesday as its islands recover from tsunami damage caused by a massive underwater volcanic eruption.
“My thoughts go out to the people of the islands of Tonga, who have been affected in recent days by the eruption of the underwater volcano, which has caused enormous material damage,” Pope Francis said at the end of his general audience on 19 January.
“I am spiritually close to all the afflicted people, imploring God for relief for their suffering. I invite everyone to join me in praying for these brothers and sisters.”
According to the satellite images from space, scientists have called the volcanic blast the largest eruption in the world in decades.