Pope 'close' to Mexico after quake (2)

(ANSA) - Vatican City, September 20 - Pope Francis expressed his closeness to Mexico on Wednesday after over 200 people were killed by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in the centre of the country. "Here among you there are many Mexicans," the pope said during his weekly audience in St Peter's Square. "The earthquake has caused casualties and material damage and in this moment of pain I express my closeness to the whole Mexican population. "I ask Almighty God to welcome all those who lost their lives".
    The pope also paid homage to the rescue workers helping those affected by the disaster and invoked the Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is dear to the Mexican nation. Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto has said more than 20 children were dead and 30 were missing after a school collapsed.