His Holiness Pope Francis on Saturday highlighted the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood among northern Peru citizens in response to the devastating Coastal El Niño disasters in 2017.
Said weather event was characterized by heavy rains, landslides, and floods, which destroyed infrastructure and crops, leaving many citizens homeless.
"I know that in the time of darkness […] the oil of solidarity, of generosity, set you in motion and you went to meet the Lord with countless concrete gestures of support," the Supreme Pontiff said while delivering a homily during
Holy Mass at Huanchaco Beach.
Pope Francis went on to draw an analogy between the apostles —who faced storms at sea— and the people of northern Peru, who "had to face the harsh blow of
Coastal El Niño, whose painful aftermath is still among so many families […]"
Lastly, the Pope stressed the importance of "standing united rather than alone," as such disasters question and compromise our spirits and most fundamental attitudes.
The event was part of Pope Francis' pastoral activities for the third day of his visit to Peru.
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