SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Jan. 21 (EUROPA PRESS) –
Pope Francis has sent a message of encouragement and support to those affected by the volcanic eruption in La Palma at the end of the audience held with the bishops of various Spanish dioceses, including that of Tenerife, Bernardo Álvarez.
“It’s hard, but don’t lower your arms. Reconstruction means always taking a step forward. It means that defeat doesn’t have the last word. It means not getting tired of looking at the horizon,” he told them.
The Pope has pointed out that he was “very close” to the palmeros at the time of the volcano’s eruption and continues to “be there now”, recalling that there was “ash everywhere” and that “it must be very hard” to see the house or the “campito” covered in ashes and you have to “escape” to save your life and what you can.
“I accompanied them in those moments and I continue to accompany them now in the reconstruction”, he indicated.
The Pope has insisted that he is “close” to those affected and prays for them.
“I wish you all the best and, please, I ask you to pray for me. And whoever doesn’t pray, send me good vibes, because I also need it. God bless you all”, he pointed out.