Pope Francis said Sunday
he will visit the stricken areas of central Italy where a
6.2-magnitude earthquake left 290 confirmed dead last week.
"Dear brothers and sister, I hope to come visit you as soon
as possible so I can personally bring you the comfort of faith
and the support of Christian hope," the pontiff said.
"I think of the people of Accumoli, Amatrice, Arquata,
Pescara del Tronto, Norcia," he added, naming the communities
that were hard-hit by the August 24 quake.
Amatrice Mayor Sergio Pirozzo said news of the pope's visit
"is of great comfort".
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