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May 7, 2024

Pope expresses solidarity with tornado survivors

Moore Tornado Aftermath

Austin Brock holds cat Tutti, shortly after the animal was retrieved from the rubble of Brock's home, which was demolished a day earlier when a tornado moved through Moore, Okla., Tuesday, May 21, 2013. A huge tornado roared through the Oklahoma City suburb Monday, flattening an entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds. Launch slideshow »

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has expressed his "closeness to the families of all who died in the Oklahoma tornado," with special concern for "those who lost young children."

The pope posted a Twitter message to the survivors Tuesday, and followed up with a telegram to the archbishop of Oklahoma City, Paul S. Coakley.

The deadly tornado struck a suburb of Oklahoma City on Monday, destroying homes and an elementary school, and many of the victims were children.

In the telegram, Francis said he remains "conscious of the tragic loss of life and the immensity of the work of rebuilding that lies ahead." The pontiff conveyed to the community "assurance of his solidarity and closeness in prayer."

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