Pope mourns victims of Indonesian quake
Vatican CITY, May 27 : Pope Benedict today mourned the victims of Indonesia's earthquake and urged rescue workers to persevere in their efforts to assist survivors, according to a message issued by the Vatican.
''His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI prays for the victims and their rieving families, invoking eternal peace upon the deceased and divine comfort and consolation on all who are suffering,'' it read.
The message continued: ''His Holiness likewise encourages the rescue workers and all involved in providing medical assistance to the victims of this disaster to persevere in their efforts to bring relief and support.'' Pope Benedict is in Poland on a four-day pilgrimage to the homeland of predecessor, John Paul.
The Indonesian quake, centred on the city of Yogyakarta, killed more than 2,700 people and seriously injured an estimated 1,700.
About 85 per cent of Indonesia's 220 million people are Muslim.
However, in some eastern parts, Christian and Muslim populations are about equal.
Reuters