POPE EXPRESSES HIS CLOSENESS TO PEOPLE OF VENEZUELA

VATICAN CITY, DEC 19, 1999 (VIS) - At midday today, after praying the angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope asked that generosity be shown towards the citizens of Venezuela who are suffering the consequences of torrential rains:

"I am following with grief the news that arrives from Venezuela, where the numbers of dead, missing and displaced, victims of torrential rains that have also caused great material damage, continues to grow. I reaffirm my closeness to the beloved people of Venezuela, and at the same time call upon institutions and people of good will to generously contribute in order to alleviate the suffering and repair the tragic consequences of this huge natural disaster. May the Virgin of Coromoto intercede on behalf of this people that honor her as Mother and Patroness.

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