Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - "Pope Francis and the Vatican deeply love Nepal. The Holy Father is close to Nepal since the early days of the earthquake,” said Mgr Salvatore Pennacchio, apostolic nuncio to Nepal, as he led a solemn Eucharistic celebration and a special blessing for the country.
As Nepal mourned the tragic earthquake that hit the country on 25 April killing more 8,600 people with 22,000 injured, the Vatican representative said he hoped to see the country achieve security, peace and prosperity.
The service was held this morning at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Lalitpur, packed for the occasion with Catholics, non-Catholics and foreign diplomats.
Mgr Pennacchio called on those present to "join the pope's prayer and bless the entire country" so that it can return to "peace, security and prosperity."
The prelate called on people to "unite under the leadership of Jesus" and "pray for the country", making themselves available "for the needy according to the capabilities of each."
The nuncio mentioned the work of local and international Catholic organisations, churches and various groups in such difficult times.
He finally appealed to all religious leaders and groups to join Pope Francis’ prayer, to work "united" for the nation’s rebirth.
Hundreds of people took part in today’s service, eager to hear the homily of the pope's representative.
Almost a month after the earthquake, Nepal is a country still on his knees, with hundreds of old temples flattened by the natural disaster, along with 90 per cent of the buildings and 55 per cent of the country's prisons.
As he welcomed Mgr Pennacchio, Apostolic Vicar Mgr Paul Simick stressed that "it is a privilege" to welcome "Pope Francis’ messenger."
He then went on to say that the Cathedral of the Assumption was chosen to mark the anniversary of the attack by Hindu extremists that left three Catholics dead in May 2009.
Fr Silas Bogati recited a special prayer for those who died in the blast, and their families.
At the end of the service, the apostolic nuncio had the picture of Pope Francis handed out. Hundreds of people lined up to receive the gift, a token of the pope’s care for the country.
During his visit, the Vatican representative also spoke with Prime Minister Shushil Koirala, to whom he expressed support and solidarity for the government and the people of Nepal.